India captain Rohit Sharma has come under scrutiny following his disappointing performances in Test cricket.
The right-handed opener managed just 91 runs in three matches against New Zealand, averaging 15.16, and his struggles have continued in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In five innings so far, Rohit has scored a mere 31 runs at an average of 28.8, sparking widespread concern over his form.
Adding to the pressure, Rohit’s captaincy is also being questioned. Under his leadership, India has won just one of their last six Tests. Speculation about his future in the longest format gained momentum after rumors suggested the 37-year-old might retire from Test cricket following the Sydney Test.
This speculation was fueled further by an Instagram post from Rohit on December 31, where he reflected on the year gone by, captioning it, “Thank You 2024.”
“For all the ups & downs, and everything in between, Thank you 2024,” Rohit wrote, leaving fans guessing about his intentions.
India, led by Rohit, now face a must-win scenario in the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting January 3.
With Australia leading the series 2-1 after their victory in Melbourne, India has already lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade. A win in Sydney is essential not only to salvage pride but also to keep their hopes alive for the 2025 World Test Championship final.
“Our fate is no longer in our hands. We cannot win the series from here, but our hopes will remain alive if we win the last Test. We can’t afford to lose this series,” cricket analyst Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel. “For Australia, even a draw in the last match means they only need to avoid defeat in at least one game against Sri Lanka to secure their place.”
The upcoming Sydney Test is crucial for Rohit Sharma, both as a player and a captain, as he aims to steer India toward a strong finish in the series.