Jan 4, (V7N) – Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma clarified on Saturday that his decision to step aside from the ongoing fifth Test against Australia was due to poor form and not a signal of his retirement.

The 37-year-old opener faced criticism after a string of low scores throughout the series and a disappointing run during India's home series loss to New Zealand last year. However, speaking to Star Sports at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Rohit dismissed any speculation about his future in cricket.

"I’m Not Going Anywhere"

Rohit, speaking in Hindi, emphasized:

“This decision is not a retirement decision nor am I going to step aside from the game. The team needed a player in form for such a critical match."

He acknowledged his struggles in the series, failing to surpass 10 runs in five innings, and admitted his performance was not at the level required for the team's crucial match to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Bumrah’s Leadership Praised

Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah took charge for the Sydney Test and described Rohit’s absence as an "opted rest" for the team’s benefit. Rohit, in turn, praised Bumrah's leadership, calling him "absolute class."

Looking Ahead

Rohit had already stepped back from T20 internationals last year after leading India to a World Cup title and has faced scrutiny over his red-ball form ever since. While his decision to sit out the final Test reflects his self-awareness, it also fuels speculation about his future in the longer format of the game.

As India battles to level the series at 2-2, Rohit's focus remains on contributing in other capacities, with no immediate plans for retirement.

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