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India’s Test skipper Rohit Sharma might be approaching the twilight of his Test career, with reports suggesting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief selector Ajit Agarkar is gearing up for candid conversations regarding his future in the longest format.
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Rohit Sharma’s Struggling Form
Rohit, once a linchpin of India’s Test batting lineup, has been experiencing an alarming slump in form. While he was among the most consistent batters in the 2019–2023 ICC World Test Championship cycle, things have taken a downturn in 2024.
- Previous WTC Cycle: Just 5 single-digit scores in 43 innings.
- Current Year: 10 single-digit scores in 25 innings—a stark decline.
His poor form has extended into the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where he has failed to make an impact:
- Scores in the series: 3, 6, 10, and a 5-ball 3 in the ongoing Melbourne Test.
Adding to the concern is his repeated dismissals at the hands of Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins. Cummins has dismissed Rohit five times in Tests, a record equaling the feats of Richie Benaud and Imran Khan against Ted Dexter and Sunil Gavaskar, respectively.
Discussions with Ajit Agarkar
Reports indicate that Ajit Agarkar, who is currently in Melbourne, is set to have a decisive conversation with Rohit about his Test future.
The pressure on Rohit to deliver is immense, particularly with India’s qualification for the ICC World Test Championship final at stake. If India fails to secure a spot in their third consecutive final, the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground could mark Rohit’s final appearance in the format.
The Sydney Test: A Farewell Opportunity?
The possibility of retirement after the Sydney Test looms large. Complicating matters, Rohit’s reluctance to relinquish his opening position upon returning from the Perth Test has disrupted India’s batting order. Shubman Gill was dropped to accommodate Rohit as the opener, while KL Rahul was pushed to No. 3—a decision that has drawn criticism.
Expert Opinions
Former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh has also weighed in, expressing doubt about Rohit’s Test future unless he can produce miraculous performances in the remaining matches.
“Unless Rohit Sharma can do something in the last three innings, I think his career could certainly be coming to an end,” Waugh remarked on Fox Sports.
