Border Gavaskar Trophy: Rohit Sharma retirement rumors rubbished by himself - WATCH VIDEO

The fifth Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy continues to be a spicy affair with India trying to equalize the series and retain the trophy. In contrast, Australia aims to seal the victory and secure its place in the World Test Championship.

The win has eluded India since the second Test in Adelaide, forcing the major changes in the squad. Rohit Sharma did not walk out for the toss on Day 1 of the Sydney Test, making fans think the MCG Test was the last game of his Test career as a player and as a captain. However, Rohit Sharma rubbished the retirement rumors ahead of the game on Day 2. 

Talking to the media, Rohit Sharma mentioned that this a purely tactical decision and he has not stepped down. The right-handed batsman also said that the team management and the captain himself took the decision as he continued to discover his form with the bat. In the ongoing series, Rohit Sharma has failed to fire in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25, averaging just 6.2 over the five innings. His highest score in the series was 10, forcing himself to take the decision. He said: 

"As it is, in our batting, the form of the boys is not that good. So you cannot carry a lot of out-of-form players in the team. This simple thing was going on in my mind. I am not going anywhere."

Team first, always! 🇮🇳

📹 EXCLUSIVE: @ImRo45 sets the record straight on his selfless gesture during the SCG Test. Watch his full interview at 12:30 PM only on Cricket Live! #AUSvINDOnStar 👉 5th Test, Day 2 | LIVE NOW | #BorderGavaskarTrophy #ToughestRivalry #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/uyQjHftg8u

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 4, 2025

"I am not leaving"- Rohit Sharma on retirement

Rohit Sharma is optimistic about continuing Test cricket down the line. He mentioned that there is still hope about him scoring runs down the line over five to six months. However, he continues to be realistic and that remains the sole reason why he is not part of the playing XI.

“This decision is not about retirement, I am not leaving. I am sitting out of this match because runs are not coming,” Rohit told Star Sports during Lunch break on Day 2 of the fifth Test. “There’s no guarantee poor form will continue after 5 months, and there’s no guarantee poor form will continue after 2 months. In cricket, we have seen life changes every day every minute every second I believe in myself that things will change. At the same time, I will have to be realistic as well.”

As per the last update, India are 46 for the loss of one wicket, leading by 50 runs. The team will look to bat the entire day 2 and day 3 as the team has taken Jasprit Bumrah for scans after the player walked out during the 2nd session, putting India a bowler down in the ongoing match. Virat Kohli continues to remain the stand-in captain for the side in the final game of the series.