'Have to be realistic...': Rohit Sharma breaks silence on retirement rumours after stepping down from Sydney Test

Rohit Sharma has finally addressed retirement rumors following his absence from the ongoing India vs Australia 5th Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Rohit made it clear that he voluntarily chose to step down from the Sydney Test due to his poor form with the bat, prioritizing the needs of the team. He confirmed that he has not retired from Test cricket.

During an interview with a Star Sports host, Rohit humorously clarified that he was neither 'dropped', 'rested', nor 'opted out', but rather made the decision to step aside for a player in better form. He mentioned having discussions with coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, both of whom supported his decision.

"It's not any of the three (laughs.) I stood down. I will say one thing and it will have 50 interpretations by people on the outside. I had a chat with the coach and the selector was very plain and simple. I am not making runs at the moment. I am not in form and it's an important match. We need an in-form player. Our batting order isn't in form at the moment. So out of form players can't carry the team at the moment. So this was the simple thing in my mind. It was my understanding that I should tell the coach and the selector and they backed my call," Rohit said while making an appearance on Star Sports during Lunch on Day 2 of the IND vs AUS Sydney Test.

“I don't believe in what will happen in 6 months or 4 months time, I always stay in the present and think about what needs to be done right now. This is not a retirement decision, I am out of the game because I wasn't in form. Life changes everyday and I have full belief that things will change. I have to be true to be myself though and be realistic as well. I am sensible, matured and father of 2 kids, so I know what to do when. You need to understand what the team needs, if you do not think about the team, you don't want those kind of players. We call it a team, so always think about what the team needs,” he added.

“We know that a lot of people are going to judge us, but I will never doubt myself. It could be wrong sometimes, but we all go there with a mindset to win. Like yesterday, we should have bowled on that wicket instead of batting, such things happen. I am not going anywhere,” Rohit concluded.

When the anchor said, "It was pleasure to have you as India captain", Rohit replied: "Arre kahin ja nahi raha hu main (I am not going anywhere)."  

Rohit faced challenges in the three Tests he participated in only scoring 31 runs. His struggles extended to his captaincy as India failed to secure a victory under his leadership. The visitors suffered a defeat in the second Test in Adelaide while the third Test ended in a draw due to rain.

Also read| IND vs AUS: Jasprit Bumrah scripts history in Sydney Test, breaks 46-year-old record to become....