Ravi Ashwin retirement: What about Rohit Sharma and his future in Test cricket?

India skipper Rohit Sharma’s disappointing run in Test cricket continues to be a point of concern for fans and critics alike. His recent performances in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy have led many to question his future in red-ball cricket. Adding to the speculation, former Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar suggested that Rohit, known as the "Hitman," might consider retiring from Test cricket after the conclusion of the series. Rohit’s struggles have been evident throughout the series, with scores of three, six, and ten in his last three innings. As the captain and one of India’s senior-most players, his lack of form has put added pressure on an already underperforming batting lineup.

Should Rohit Sharma also announce his retirement from Test cricket?

The Gabba Test, which ended in a draw, now provides a crucial opportunity for India’s top batters, including Rohit, to regain their form ahead of the Melbourne Test. India’s batting woes have been a recurring theme in the series, with none of the senior batters managing to deliver impactful performances so far. Rohit’s struggles, in particular, have drawn sharp criticism given his experience and stature in international cricket. As India prepares for the Melbourne Test, all eyes will be on Rohit to see if he can turn his fortunes around and silence the growing doubts about his place in the format.

The ongoing poor form of India’s Test captain, Rohit Sharma, has sparked widespread discussions about his future in the longest format of the game. His lack of impactful performances in the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy has led to speculation about whether he might soon call time on his Test career. Weighing in on the matter, former Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar expressed concern over Rohit’s struggles with the bat. Gavaskar suggested that if the captain continues to falter in scoring runs, he might consider announcing his retirement from Test cricket.

Gavaskar’s remarks underline the growing pressure on Rohit to deliver, especially given the expectations attached to his leadership and batting prowess. Rohit’s recent outings have been far from his usual standards, and with India’s batting lineup already under scrutiny, his performances have become a focal point for criticism. The senior batter now faces the challenge of silencing his critics and rediscovering his form to contribute meaningfully to the team’s success.

“I think Rohit obviously will get the opportunity to play in the next couple of matches, that’s for sure. But maybe at the end of it, if he hasn’t scored runs, my feeling is that he himself will take the call,” said former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar. 

“He’s a very conscientious cricketer, he will not want to be a burden on the team. He’s a cricketer who cares very deeply for Indian cricket. So if he doesn’t score runs in the next couple of games, I think he himself will step down," he added. 

Rohit Sharma’s struggles in Test cricket extend beyond the ongoing series against Australia, raising serious concerns about his form in the red-ball format. The 37-year-old skipper has managed just 152 runs in his last 13 Test innings at a dismal average of 11.83. These underwhelming numbers have added to the pressure on the captain, whose performances are crucial for India’s success in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite his recent poor run, Rohit still has an opportunity to turn things around with two matches left in the series. As the leader of the side and a seasoned campaigner, this is his chance to step up, silence his critics, and make a meaningful contribution to India’s campaign. His ability to bounce back under pressure has been evident in other formats, including leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024.

For India, retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will depend heavily on their senior players, especially Rohit, finding their form. The remaining matches not only offer the skipper a chance to rediscover his touch but also to reinforce his value as a Test batter and leader. With the series finely poised, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Rohit’s performance in the next two Tests could be pivotal in shaping the outcome of the series and, perhaps, his future in the longest format. Fans and the team alike will be hoping for a resurgence from the experienced campaigner when it matters most.