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Team India captain Rohit Sharma was dropped from the playing XI for the Sydney Test, becoming the first Indian captain to opt out of the XI midway through an international series on Friday, January 3. While this decision raised several eyebrows, it also got several talking on Rohit Sharma’s retirement, after having played his final Test in Melbourne last week.
But the 37-year-old on Saturday, January 4 finally broke silence into the matter. In an interview with Jatin Sapru and Irfan Pathan on Star Sports during lunch on Day 2 of the ongoing fifth Test in Sydney, Rohit Sharma explained what was going in his mind and revealed the conversation he had with the Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
This is not a retirement or moving away from the format: Rohit Sharma
Speaking on the sidelines of the Sydney Test, Rohit Sharma told the broadcasters, “I have stood down from this Test but I am not going anywhere. This is not a retirement or moving away from the format. A guy with a mic, pen or laptop, what they write or say, it doesn't matter. They cannot decide for us. I took the call to stand down after coming to Sydney. Yes, runs are not coming but there is no guarantee that you won't be able to score two months down the line or six months down the line. I am mature enough to know what I am doing.”
The Nagpur-born cricketer went on to reveal what was going on in his head, adding, "The thought process was going for quite some time. The decision was taken after coming here. After Melbourne there was New Years's day. On that day, I did not want to tell the coach and selector about this. I was trying but could not score and it was important for me step aside from this match."
"I don't believe in what happens five months later. I want to focus on the present. This decision is not retirement decision. I am not going to move away from the game. But, for this game, I am out because I am not scoring with the bat. There is no guarantee that after five months I will not score runs. Every day life changes. I believe in myself," he continued.
"At the same time I have to be realistic as well. I have played this game for so long. Nobody from outside can decide when I should go, or sit out or lead the team. I am sensible, matured, father of two. I know what I want in life," Rohit Sharma concluded, putting an end to the ongoing rumours around his retirement. Later, 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)", leaving everyone in laughter.
It is to be noted that Rohit Sharma’s decision to opt out of the Sydney Test made way for Shubman Gill, who has been in fine form. Moreover, Team India made another forced change after Gautam Gambhir confirmed Akash Deep to miss the Sydney Test due to a back injury. In place of Akash Deep, India called up Prasidh Krishna, who picked three wickets in his 15 overs spell on Day 2 of the Sydney Test.
