BCCI to decide Rohit Sharma’s Test fate in next SGM; Gautam Gambhir’s condition under scrutiny
India’s recent performance in Test cricket has been worrying, with six defeats in their last eight matches. A rain-affected draw in Brisbane and a solitary win in Perth were the only silver linings in an otherwise dismal run for India in the longest format of the game.
The Indian cricket team’s 1-3 defeat came on the heels of a three-match Test series loss at home to New Zealand, marking one of India’s worst spells since 2011-12, when they lost eight of 11 Tests — four each in England and Australia, and then VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid left.
BCCI to review Australia tour as India’s Test challenges mount
This time, Ravichandran Ashwin has already retired during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and more departures could follow after the 3-1 Test series defeat against Australia. Speculation also surrounds Rohit Sharma’s future in Test cricket. Although Rohit has rubbished retirement rumours, his poor form and absence from the Sydney Test suggest otherwise.
Well, the upcoming BCCI EGM, where Devajit Saikia will take over as the new board secretary, will discuss the team’s future, including potential leadership changes, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the team management. Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir and the selectors will soon sit down for a detailed review of the Australian tour.
Meanwhile, a BCCI official has confirmed that Rohit Sharma’s future in the Indian Test team hangs in the balance after the crushing loss to Australia in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With India’s hopes of reaching the 2025 WTC Final slipping away, pressure is mounting on the skipper and he will be a central figure in the next SGM on Sunday, January 12.
BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar faces a tough call on Rohit Sharma’s Test career
The official also revealed that now Rohit Sharma will have to fight to regain his place or retire from the Test team, but noted that all eyes are on chief selector Ajit Agarkar and his committee who will make the call.
Hindustan Times quoted a BCCI official as saying, “Rohit was waiting to see if India could find an escape route to the WTC finals. Now, it’s really up to him whether he continues to fight for a place. But the decision will come down to on Ajit Agarkar and his selection committee.”
The Indian cricket team made many tactical mistakes against Australia, including playing against Harshit Rana against Prasidh Krishna and selecting two spinners on the Sydney pitch instead of adding an extra pacer in the final Test. Because of these calls, Rohit Sharma and the team management are under a lot of scrutiny.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma’s Major Role Revealed In Jasprit Bumrah’s Back Injury At SCG
BCCI official reveals Gautam Gambhir’s position under the scanner
Even before the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, some Indian selectors reportedly claimed they had “no role” in choosing the pitch to be used for the Test series in New Zealand. This has put Gautam Gambhir’s role as India’s head coach under scrutiny, as several of his white-ball strategies have struggled to translate into success in Tests.
Additionally, Gautam Gambhir-led India’s journey began with an ODI series defeat in Sri Lanka, adding to the pressure. The upcoming ODI series at home against England, followed by the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in February and March, will be crucial to Gambhir’s tenure.
The board official also pointed out that India’s struggles started much before the Australian tour. Deciding to prepare suitable pitches at home, but failing to do so, was the first hurdle that diminished their chances of reaching the WTC finals.
A board official said: “It’s not just a tour of Australia. Deciding to turn the tables at home and then failing to do so was the first blow that pushed India back into the race for the WTC finals.”
