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

It was an emotional day for the entire nation as the modern-day legend, Ravichandran Ashwin, announced his retirement from international cricket. The 38-year-old player hung up his boots as the third match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy ended in a draw at the Gabba. The inklings of Ashwin's decision were evident when Virat Kohli was seen holding Ashwin in an emotional embrace in the dressing room during the final day of the Gabba Test. The confirmation came when the spinner joined Rohit Sharma in the post-match press conference on Wednesday. The spinner will continue playing domestic and club-level cricket but ended his international career at a point where he was etched as the highest wicket-taker in Tests among active players. While the press conference carried an emotional tone throughout, the Indian captain Rohit Sharma had a lighthearted moment as he fell into the trap of a reporter.

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

After Ravichandran Ashwin left the presser following his retirement announcement, Rohit Sharma answered the remaining questions. Team India is in a transition phase right now as the side moves on from the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and now Ravichandran Ashwin. Touching upon the same topic, a reporter asked the Indian skipper how it felt to no longer have senior players like Rahane, 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.