India captain Rohit Sharma's rough patch with the bat in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy might soon see him announcing his Test retirement. As per a PTI report, Team India's chief selector Ajit Agarkar is expected to have hard-hitting discussions with Rohit Sharma regarding his future in the longest format of the game.
Rohit Sharma to announce his Test retirement?
Rohit's performance in the previous ICC World Test Championship cycle was exceptional, with only five single-digit dismissals in 43 innings. However, his form has taken a major hit this year, with ten single-digit dismissals in just 25 innings. This sharp decline in his form raises concerns about his future in Test cricket.
Hitman's recent form in Test cricket has been a major concern for Team India. His struggles at the crease have also raised questions about his decision-making abilities as captain.
In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rohit only extended his lean patch. He registered scores of 3, 6, and 10 in his first two matches, and in the Melbourne Test, he was dismissed for just 3 runs off 5 balls by Pat Cummins in the second over. This dismissal marked the fifth time Rohit Sharma has been dismissed by Pat Cummins in Test cricket, a record shared by only two other captains: Richie Benaud and Imran Khan.
Overall, Rohit Sharma's recent Test record is dismal, with just 155 runs scored in his last eight matches at an average of 11.07. This poor form has fueled speculation about his future in Test cricket.
According to a PTI report, Rohit Sharma expressed discomfort batting in the middle order during the second and third Test matches. Consequently, Shubman Gill was dropped from the playing XI to accommodate Rohit Sharma at the top of the order.
Despite KL Rahul being India's leading run-scorer in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rohit replaced him as the opening batsman. However, Rohit's return to the top of the order was short-lived. He was dismissed for just 5 runs, edging a short ball from Pat Cummins while attempting a half-hearted pull shot. The ball was comfortably caught by Scott Boland, bringing a swift end to the Indian captain's innings.
Rohit's dismissal also drew batting great Sunil Gavaskar's criticism who went on to say there is nothing left in India captain's tank.
"Rohit Sharma seems to have nothing left in the tank," Gavaskar said while on air with broadcasters '7Cricket'.
"Tough times for him. There will be a second innings and two more in Sydney. Questions will be asked if he doesn't score in those three innings," Gavaskar added.