Border-Gavaskar Trophy Could Mark Rohit Sharma’s Test Curtain Call: Sunil Gavaskar
MELBOURNE – The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy may turn out to be a defining moment for Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, with former captain Sunil Gavaskar hinting at the possibility of Rohit retiring from Test cricket if he fails to deliver in the upcoming matches.
As India gears up for crucial Tests in Melbourne and Sydney, which could determine their fate in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, Gavaskar speculated that lackluster performances might prompt Rohit to step down as captain and even retire from the longest format.
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“Rohit is not the kind of player who would allow himself to become a burden on the team. He deeply values the team’s success,” Gavaskar said. He further suggested that the Indian captain might make the call to retire without waiting for selectors to intervene, should his struggles persist.
Rohit Sharma’s recent form in Test cricket has raised eyebrows. Over his last 13 Test innings, the skipper has scored just 152 runs at an average of 11.83, managing only one half-century. In 2024, his Test batting average has dropped to 26.39, significantly below his career average of 41.24.
The emergence of younger talents, such as Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, has also added pressure on the Indian captain. Under the guidance of Gautam Gambhir, Jaiswal and Rahul have been preferred as the opening pair in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, forcing Rohit to bat lower down the order—a position that doesn’t align with his strengths.
If Rohit Sharma does choose to retire, India seems well-positioned to adapt. Jasprit Bumrah, who led the team to victory in the opening Test of the five-match series, is a strong contender to take on leadership duties in the longer format.
