Former India head coach Ravi Shastri says that he will not be surprised if criticized captain Rohit Sharma announces his retirement from Test cricket in the near future. He says that talented and in-form youngsters like Shubman Gill are trying hard to get into the team. Rohit could not play in the opening Test of the five-match series for the Border Gavaskar Trophy due to the birth of his second child, but after this his highest score in five innings has been 10 runs.
Speculation over Rohit’s place in the playing eleven for the Sydney Test intensified on Thursday when head coach Gautam Gambhir did not confirm the team captain’s place in the press conference held on the eve of the match. Shastri was the head coach on India’s last tour to Australia and is now doing commentary here in this series. He wants that if 37-year-old Rohit decides on his Test future, he should bid farewell with a bang.
Shastri said in ‘ICC Review’, “He will take a decision on his career. But if Rohit Sharma retires, I will not be surprised at all because his age is increasing, not decreasing.” He said, “There are some other young players to join the team like Shubman Gill. And he is not able to join the team right now. What is he doing sitting on the bench. I am not surprised by Rohit’s retirement announcement.” “But it’s their decision.”
The way Rohit plays, he has not been seen even close to that and Shastri wants the opener to play with complete freedom. Shastri said, “If I was close to Rohit Sharma, I would tell him, go and rock. Go on the field and attack the opposition team. Then let’s see what happens.” He said, “In the end, if India qualifies for the World Test Championship (final), it will be a completely different thing. I think it could be the right time. But if Rohit plays, he should perform brilliantly.” .”
Shastri said that Rohit has had to struggle with the movement of his legs in the series so far. He said, “He is playing the ball a little late. His feet are not working as well as usual. Even though he played the best back then, his footwork was still poor.” He said, “I just want him to go out on the pitch and bat brilliantly and try to win this Test match. You may have lost a Test but you have not lost the series. We want to win this Test match to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.” Try to win.”
