'Won’t be shocked': Ravi Shastri’s blunt opinion on Rohit Sharma’s possible retirement after Sydney Test

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed his belief that Rohit Sharma may consider retirement following the Sydney Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2024-25. Rohit, who was absent for the first Test match against Australia is expected to miss the fifth and final Test of the series scheduled from January 3 to 7.

Shastri, who led India to victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy acknowledged that Rohit's career may come to a swift conclusion.

The Indian team is currently behind in the five-match series, trailing 1-2 and they are eager to even the score. Rohit Sharma is currently experiencing a rough patch with the team failing to secure a victory in any of the last six Tests under his leadership. Additionally, he has only managed to score 31 runs in three games during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. As a result, Rohit's captaincy and decision-making have come under scrutiny drawing attention from critics and trolls alike.

In a statement to the ICC, Ravi Shastri has made it clear that the decision about Rohit future lies solely with him. While retirement is a possibility, it would not come as a surprise to him, as he is aware that he is not getting any younger.

“He’ll take a call on his career but I won’t be shocked at all (if Sharma retires) because he’s not getting younger. There are other young players in the wings, there’s Shubman Gill, a player of his quality averaging over 40 in the year 2024 and not playing. It tricks your brain as to what is he doing sitting on the bench and warming it. So I won’t be surprised but it’s his call.”

Shastri emphasized that if the Indian team had qualified for the World Test Championship final it would have been a significant achievement. However, in the absence of this qualification it presents an opportunity for Rohit Sharma to showcase his skills in what could potentially be his last Test match.

“At the end of the day, if India had qualified for the World Test Championship (Final) or if they still qualify for the World Test Championship Final, then it’s another thing altogether. Otherwise, I think it might just be the opportune time – but (if Sharma plays) he should go out with a blaze of glory,” he added.

In order to secure a spot in the final of the World Test Championship the Indian team must emerge victorious in the upcoming Sydney Test. Their fate hinges on the performance of Sri Lanka as they hope for them to defeat Australia in both Tests. The outcome of these matches will ultimately determine India's future in the championship.

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