India captain Rohit Sharma has finally addressed the decision to 'rest' for the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney and also reacted to all the talks around his Test retirement. Rohit Sharma's absence from the fifth Test at the SCG amidst his lean patch with that had sparked widespread speculation about the end of his Test career. Rohit's poor form in Australia, with only 31 runs in five innings, undoubtedly weighed heavily on him, ultimately leading to his decision to step aside.
Rohit Sharma reacts to retirement talks
However, Rohit has now reacted to all the buzz around his form, retirement and his absence from Sydney Test.
"I stood down that is what I would say. The chat that I had with the coach and selector, was very simple that I was not able to score runs with the bat. I am not in form. This is an important match, we needed a win. We couldn't carry many out of form players. They backed my decision, which was difficult for me to take," he said on Star Sports.
"The thought process was going for quite some time. The decision was taken after coming here. After Melbourne there was New Years's day. On that day, I did not want to tell the coach and selector about this. I was trying but could not score and it was important for me step aside from this match," he added.
ALSO READ: India's explosive batter with 11,791 runs, 31 centuries announces retirement amidst Border-Gavaskar TrophyRohit has made it clear that he has no intention of retiring. He said that his decision to miss the Sydney Test was solely due to his poor form and the team's need for a win. He looked confident in his ability to regain his form and continue contributing to the Indian Test team.
"I don't believe in what happens five months later. I want to focus on the present. This decision is not retirement decision. I am not going to move away from the game. But, for this game, I am out because I am not scoring with the bat. (Koi guarantee nahi hai 5 mahine baad bat nahi chalega) There is no guarantee that after five months I will not score runs. Every day life changes. I believe in myself," Rohit further stated.
"At the same time I have to be realistic as well. I have played this game for so long. Nobody from outside can decide when I should go, or sit out or lead the team. I am sensible, matured, father of two. I know what I want in life".
But Rohit's closing statement came as a huge sigh of relief for his fans. When anchor while signing off told Rohit, "It was pleasure to have you as India captain", the India captain quickly replied by sayin: "Arre kahin ja nahi raha hu main (I am not going anywhere)."
India bowl out Australia for 181 runs
Talking about the match, on the second day of the fifth Test, India bowled out Australia for 181, to take a four-run lead in the first innings. India dominated the post-lunch session, claiming the remaining five Australian wickets. Mohammed Siraj (3/51), Prasidh Krishna (4/42), and Nitish Reddy (2/32) led the bowling attack, effectively filling the void left by Jasprit Bumrah, who left the field for scans due to an undisclosed injury after taking 2 wickets for 33 runs. While Beau Webster celebrated a half-century on his Test debut for Australia, his dismissal triggered a batting collapse leaving Australia in a spot of bother.