"You'll get me killed": Rohit Sharma falls into a trap while talking about Pujara and Rahane

India captain Rohit Sharma had a lighthearted moment during the post-match press conference on Tuesday, shortly after Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket. The announcement came following the conclusion of the third Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, which ended in a draw, leaving the series locked at 1-1. Ashwin’s decision to retire marked the end of an illustrious career, particularly in Test cricket, where he stands as India’s second-highest wicket-taker and ranks seventh on the all-time list.

Rohit Sharma lands in a puddle as he discusses Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane in the post-match conference

During the conference, Rohit was asked how it felt to no longer have senior players like Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ashwin in the team. Responding to the question, Rohit shared that he remains in touch with Rahane, as they both hail from Mumbai, but he rarely meets Pujara. Turning his attention to Ashwin, he quipped that he expected the veteran spinner to join the broadcasting team as an expert in the near future.

“We will always remain friends. Yes, we won't be seeing each other on the tour, but we will definitely be meeting each other. Ajinkya is from Bombay, and we meet often. Pujara is hiding somewhere in Rajkot, so we don't meet so often. But Ashwin might join you in a few years, so we will keep meeting him," he said.

However, midway through his response, Rohit realized the implications of the question and quickly clarified his statement. He pointed out that both Rahane and Pujara have not yet retired, subtly redirecting the conversation. Taking a playful jab at the journalist, Rohit remarked that his earlier words could have landed him in hot water with the media, especially during such a crucial series. This candid exchange added a touch of humor to what was otherwise a bittersweet moment, as the cricketing world bid farewell to one of its most accomplished bowlers.

“Let me clarify, Rahane has not retired. You'll get me killed. Pujara, too, hasn't retired. I just put them in the same sentence because of your question. At this moment, all three aren't there in the Indian team, but Ashwin has officially retired. But you never know, Rahane and Pujara might return later and the door is open for them,” he said.

As India stages a disappointing struggle with the bat in the Border Gavaskar Trophy down under, internet is abuzz with the discussion about Cheteshwar Pujara. Shubman Gill requested to bat on the No.3 position, replacing Pujara in the order. However, the stability that Pujara provided is nowhere to be seen, at least in the overseas conditions. Pujara's ability to defend the lethal attack of Australia including nasty body blows was elemental in India's historic win in the 2020-21 BGT. However, the team presently fighting the Aussies are dearly missing an anchor. Nonetheless, there is still a lot to save with two matches remaining in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. India fields a chance to claim a 3-1 scoreline if the visitors manage to win in Melbourne and Sydney.