India captain Rohit Sharma is out of the final Test against Australia in Sydney after poor form with the bat.
The 37-year-old has conceded just 31 runs in five innings in the series at an average of 6.20, while his average in the last eight games is 10.93, with a best of 23 against Bangladesh in September.
In the stand, captain Jasprit Bumrah insisted that Rohit had chosen to “relax” himself, saying after winning the toss and electing to bat. “Our captain showed leadership.
“It shows that there is a lot of unity in this team. There is no selfishness. Whatever is in the best interest of the team, we strive to do it.”
Rohit has scored just 31 runs in five innings in Australia this winter
Rumors have been rife that Rohit, who has been replaced in the playing XI by Shubman Gill, may announce his retirement from Test cricket, although he is yet to speak publicly about it.
India are 2-1 down and need a win at the SCG to salvage a draw and stay in contention with South Africa in June’s World Test Cup final at Lord’s.
An Australian win in Sydney will see Pat Cummins’ side take on the Proteas.
India won the opening Test in Perth by 295 runs, led by Rohit while Rohit was on paternity leave, but then lost the second by 10 wickets in Adelaide before a rain-affected draw in Brisbane was followed by Australia’s 184-run win in Melbourne.
Jasprit Bumrah will captain India at the SCG
Rohit has led India in 24 Tests since replacing Virat Kohli in 2022, winning 12, losing nine and drawing three.
The right-hander announced his retirement from T20 international cricket after India won the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean in June with a seven-run victory over South Africa in the final.
India off-spinner Ravichandan Ashwin has retired from all international cricket after the third Test against Australia in Brisbane.
