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India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant on Friday, January 3 broke silence on skipper Rohit Sharma’s omission from the playing XI for the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test in Sydney. Earlier in the match, Rohit Sharma became first Indian captain to opt out of the XI midway through an international series, with Jasprit Bumrah replacing him at helm for the Sydney Test.
While this decision of Rohit Sharma grabbed several eyeballs, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant after the end of Day 1’s play opened up on the same. He highlighted the 37-year-old’s selflessness and leadership, calling him “a true leader”. Jasprit Bumrah at toss confirmed two changes in the Indian lineup with Shubman Gill replacing Rohit, Prasidh Krishna walked in place of injured Akash Deep.
Emotional call: Rishabh Pant on Rohit Sharma’s omission from India XI for Sydney Test
Speaking after scoring 40 runs off 98 deliveries during his stay in the middle on the opening day of the Sydney Test, Rishabh Pant described Rohit Sharma’s decision as an emotional yet selfless act. When asked about the call, Pant said, “There are some decisions you are not involved in. I cannot explain more than that.”“It was an emotional decision. We see him as a leader,” he added.
Watch Rishabh Pant open on Rohit Sharma resting himself for Sydney Test:
Rohit Sharma opted to rest in the team’s interest, but the Indian team faced similar struggles as they were bowled out at the score of 185 in 72.2 overs. Rishabh Pant was the top run-scorer, adding 40 runs off 98 deliveries, with Ravindra Jadeja (26), Jasprit Bumrah (22), Shubman Gill (20) adding crucial runs. Scott Boland was the wrecker in chief as claimed four wickets in his 20 over spell at SCG.
