Gambhir denied Rohit Sharma the chance to retire after the Sydney Test: Reports

The rather unsporting chatter surrounding the Indian team shows no signs of slowing down, with just a few hours remaining before the Sydney Test. The gap between India losing the Boxing Day Test and the final Border Gavaskar Trophy fixture has witnessed a shocking saga. The tale that began with "dressing room leaks" on New Year's Day culminated in reports of Rohit Sharma reportedly dropping himself from the Indian Playing XI for the Sydney Test. During this period, several updates surfaced, including KL Rahul returning to the opening spot and Shubman Gill reclaiming his batting position at No.3. However, the latest insight highlights another unceremonious incident from the Indian camp down under. Apparently, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir was firmly against Rohit Sharma playing in Sydney, despite a plea from a respected BCCI member.

Gambhir sternly against Rohit Sharma playing the Sydney Test

Visible for all to see, Rohit Sharma has fared utterly disappointing in the Border Gavaskar Trophy so far. Across the three matches, which saw Rohit batting in the middle order before replacing Shubman Gill to return to the top order, the captain managed just 31 runs. Moreover, his captaincy decisions came under scrutiny following India's defeat in the Boxing Day Test, which allowed Australia to take a 2-1 lead in the series. Now, with just a day remaining before the final BGT Test begins in Sydney, a report claimed that Rohit Sharma had dropped himself from the team for the Sydney Test. However, as it turns out, unlike what the report initially said, it wasn't Rohit at the helm of the bold decision but the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Earlier reports suggested that Rohit himself informed head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar of his decision to step aside, a move both former cricketers reportedly supported. However, a subsequent update hints otherwise, claiming that the decision to drop the 37-year-old was initiated by Gambhir. The head coach was said to be focused on securing a win in Sydney, which could not only help India retain the Border Gavaskar Trophy but also keep their slim hopes alive to qualify for the WTC Final.

Adding another eye-catching detail to the matter, the report further revealed that Gambhir had been approached by a prominent cricket administrator within the BCCI, requesting that Rohit be given the opportunity to play the Sydney Test as a farewell to his Test career. However, Gambhir is believed to have declined the request, prioritizing India’s chances of victory in the critical Test. Earlier in the day, Gambhir addressed the press instead of Rohit Sharma and declined to present a solid confirmation over the skipper's place in the Sydney Test.

“Everything is fine with Rohit. The head coach is there. That should be fine. That should be good enough. We’re going to have a look at the wicket and finalise (the starting XI) tomorrow," Gambhir had said about Rohit Sharma in the presser.