The very fact that Rohit has opted to rest for the 5th Test against Australia, according to stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, does make one think that we might be seeing the end of the book on Rohit Sharma’s Test career. With his form over the past few games and the age now starting to count, it will certainly raise some doubts about his future in Test cricket.
The Speculations Turn Into Reality
Speculation over Rohit Sharma’s exclusion began brewing when India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, remained evasive about the captain’s place in the playing XI during Thursday’s pre-match press conference. But by Friday morning, reports had confirmed that Rohit would indeed be “rested” for the final Test, with Jasprit Bumrah stepping in as captain. This marks a significant decision, as Rohit becomes one of the first Indian captains to be dropped primarily due to poor form.
Rohit Sharma’s Poor Form
Rohit Sharma has not exactly been in form lately. After scoring just 31 runs in five innings so far in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, his form has been heavily criticized. In contrast, though, MS Dhoni and Anil Kumble retired mid-series in Tests, owing to their physical limitations. Rohit Sharma’s loss of form is considered to be on account of the inability to give his best. Gambhir, who has often stated that only performance can get a player a place in the team, made it clear that Rohit’s form was no longer enough to keep him in the XI.
Is Age A Matter Of Concern For Rohit Sharma?
Rohit is fast approaching his 38th birthday, and with his recent struggles, it seems unlikely he will get another prolonged opportunity in the Test side. His last hundred came in March 2024 against England at Dharamsala, but since then he has made a mere single fifty and 10 scores of one digit from his last 15 innings. He had scored 4301 runs from 67 Tests at 40.57 with 12 hundreds between 2013 and the 4th Test against Australia in Melbourne. However, his average plummeted from 2023 to 30.63 and then to 24.76 in 2024, showing a sharp decline in form.
A Turning Point For Rohit’s Career
If India had a Test series right after the Australian tour, Rohit might have had one last chance to prove himself. However, with the next Test engagement of India not in sight until June 11 to be played as part of the World Test Championship final, from which India remains a dark horse contender, there isn’t too much time remaining. If the Indian team also doesn’t reach the final and goes on a five-match England tour starting from June 20, Rohit would have long crossed his 38th birthday and his test career would fizzle out thereafter.
The End Of An Era?
With time and form both running out, it seems that Rohit Sharma’s journey in Test cricket is nearing its conclusion. Although the door isn’t fully closed, his age and recent performances suggest that the end of his Test career could be imminent. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether he can make a dramatic comeback or if his time in India’s whites has come to an end.
