Border Gavaskar Trophy: End of Rohit Sharma in Test cricket?

Indian cricket is currently facing significant disruption, both on and off the field, with the Test side particularly under the spotlight. Since the series against New Zealand at home, India has struggled to produce consistent results, a trend that has raised concerns within the cricketing community. This period of instability has been marked by frequent changes in the squad, leadership, and strategy, with the most recent being the exclusion of captain Rohit Sharma from the playing XI. Rohit, who has been a key figure in India’s cricketing setup, has been going through a lean patch, particularly in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. His form with the bat has been disappointing, and his leadership has come under scrutiny.

In light of his struggles, the team management made the bold decision to drop him midway through the series. Jasprit Bumrah, who had been filling in as stand-in captain during Rohit's absence in the past, was handed the captaincy for the fifth and final Test in Sydney. This development has sparked discussions about Rohit’s future as the leader of India’s Test team, with many questioning whether it’s time for a leadership change. The absence of their captain in such a crucial Test match has added further pressure on the team, which is already trailing in the series. The situation reflects the broader challenges India is facing in Test cricket, both in terms of performance and team dynamics.

According to an Indian Express report, Rohit Sharma is no longer part of India’s red-ball plans, with the selectors having communicated this decision to him. As the team begins its preparations for the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and the 2027 ODI World Cup, it appears highly unlikely that Rohit will be considered for the WTC final in June, should India qualify. This decision, which saw Rohit excluded from the playing XI for the fifth and final Test in Sydney, seems to have been made collectively by head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. It marks a significant shift in India's leadership and selection strategy, especially with an eye on the future of Indian Test cricket.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that the selectors are planning a discussion with Virat Kohli to determine his role in the team moving forward. With India poised for a major transition, especially in the Test format, these discussions will play a crucial part in shaping the future of Indian cricket. As the team navigates this period of change, the leadership and selection decisions over the coming months will be pivotal to India’s performance in the years ahead.

A final decision regarding India's captaincy for the 2025 Champions Trophy will be made in the coming days, after the team returns from Australia following the conclusion of the ongoing series. Reports suggest that Hardik Pandya, the Indian all-rounder, is a strong contender to take over the captaincy if Rohit Sharma falls out of favor in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Pandya’s leadership in limited-overs cricket, particularly in the 2022 Asia Cup, has garnered significant praise, positioning him as a potential successor to Rohit in the ODI format.

The next few weeks are expected to be crucial for Indian cricket as the team faces important decisions regarding its leadership and strategy. With key tournaments like the Champions Trophy on the horizon, the BCCI will need to carefully evaluate its options and determine the best path forward for the team, especially in terms of leadership and squad dynamics.