IND vs AUS 5th Test: Rohit Sharma wins hearts with 'selfless' decision to step down over low runs
Indian captain Rohit Sharma clarified his decision to sit out the IND vs AUS 5th Test, and also denied retirement rumours. He emphasized self-belief and team-first leadership, winning fans' praise on social media.
After a day of debate and speculation about whether Indian captain Rohit Sharma was rested, dropped, or opted out of the fifth and final Test between India and Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the skipper has finally come forward to share his side of the story.
Not playing the final BGT game at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), many fans were curious to know if the decision came from the coach and selectors, if he was 'rested' due to a lack of runs, or if it was his own choice. This decision also sparked questions such as: "Has Rohit played his last Test? His last international game?"
Why was Rohit Sharma not playing the 5th Test?
At the toss, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah stated: "Our skipper has opted to rest. It shows the unity we have. We have two changes¡ªRohit has opted out."
Later, during an interview with Star Sports alongside former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan during the lunch-time show, the Indian captain was asked, "Reports suggest you were rested, dropped, or opted out. What¡¯s the truth?" To this, Rohit replied: "None. I stood down. I told the selectors and coach that runs are not coming from my bat, so I decided to step away."
Question - reports were there you were rested, dropped or opted out?
¡ª Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 4, 2025
Rohit Sharma - none, I stood down. I told the selectors and coach that runs are not coming from my bat, so I decided to step away. pic.twitter.com/hAHKW7BJx9
Is there a retirement news coming?
Rohit Sharma firmly denied any speculation about his retirement. He stated that his decision to sit out of the Sydney Test was difficult but practical. "As I told you, this decision is not a retirement decision. Nor am I stepping aside from the game. There is no such decision. I am out of the game because 'bat nahi chal raha hai' (the bat is not working)," he explained.
? ROHIT SHARMA CONFIRMS HE IS NOT RETIRING ANYTIME SOON. ?
¡ª Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 4, 2025
Rohit said, "runs are not coming now, but not guaranteed it'll not come 5 months later. I'll work hard". pic.twitter.com/Hte8VT74kW
He continued: "There is no guarantee the bat will work after five months, or even two months. In cricket, we¡¯ve seen how everything changes¡ªevery minute, every second, every day. I believe things will change, but at the same time, I have to be realistic."
The Indian captain also expressed that no one from the outside can decide when he should retire from the game. "Someone sitting with a mic, laptop, or pen can¡¯t decide when we should step aside or play. I¡¯ve played this game for years, and they cannot dictate when I should captain, sit out, or retire. I am a sensible man, a mature man, a father of two kids, and I have some brains!"
"Selfless" Rohit Sharma trends:
Soon after his interview, fans began praising Rohit Sharma for his selfless decision to prioritize the team over himself. The tag "Selfless" Rohit Sharma started trending, with many applauding his leadership. However, some fans chose to drag Virat Kohli into the discussion, comparing how one player decided to step down while the other continues to play despite no runs. However, the general sentiment remained positive, with fans appreciating Rohit's honesty and humility.
Selfless Leader ???#RohitSharma? pic.twitter.com/OvKV8P3yQc
¡ª ?????? ? (@NelsonSK4INC) January 4, 2025
Rohit Sharma is Truly a SELFLESS Person:
¡ª Supriya kumari (@Supriya62063666) January 4, 2025
? Dropped himself due to Poor Form.
? Didn't leave the Team and go back in the middle of series
? Bringing Drinks and Giving Suggestions#RohitSharma? I #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/fL6zuzwB4w
"Aree bhai mein kidhar bhi nhi Jaa rha hu" that's the last words of today's interview by Mr.Selfless
¡ª Nitin Chauhan ?? (@Nitin56115233) January 4, 2025
Hitman Sharma
He is not retiring crybabies ?
????@ImRo45 #RohitSharma?
Ek hi dil hai bc kitne baar jeetoge #selfless #RohitSharma? #INDvsAUS#RohitSharma? pic.twitter.com/z2h0v5cuux
¡ª Samim Biswas (@SamimMostafa0) January 4, 2025
About IND vs AUS:
In Australia's first innings, they have scored 151 runs in 42 overs, losing 6 wickets. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna have each taken two wickets. The hosts currently trail by 34 runs.
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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