Rohit Sharma’s days as the Test captain of the Indian national cricket team are over. According to reports in PTI, it is learned that not only his days as captain but also his days as a player in the longest format of the game for the team are over.
The decision was taken during a BCCI review meeting on Saturday which was attended by BCCI officials, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma. Although it is yet to be announced, the selectors have moved on from the first batsman and are now looking at the way ahead.
Rohit Sharma is highly unlikely to be part of India’s squad for the Test series in England
It is highly unlikely that Rohit will be part of the Indian squad for the England Test series, which will be played later this year. It is learned that Jasprit Bumrah is all set to captain the team during the tour and will surely lead the team in the first Test at Headingley if all goes well.
Rohit has come under the scanner after his poor performances as a captain as well as a batsman from the last two Test series. Under his leadership, the Indian national cricket team faced a 3-0 record at home against New Zealand, which happened for the first time in Indian cricket.
Rohit Sharma is having a bad time as a leader and a batsman
Subsequently, India faced a heavy 3-1 defeat under his leadership in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and failed to qualify for the final of the ICC Test World Cup. Also, as a batsman, he looked extremely terrible as he scored only around 160 runs in 8 games.
There were even reports that Rohit Sharma was planning to announce his Test retirement after the fourth Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, some well-wishers convinced him not to retire, so instead of retiring, he considered giving up.
But Rohit Sharma himself noted that he is not going anywhere. But with reports claiming his days are over, he is unlikely to return to the team. There are also no runs to back up his case, so things aren’t looking great for him at all.
It’s a very simple thing for me. You look at the data and find out who is the sure pick in Test cricket – Devang Gandhi on India’s next captaincy
Former national coach Devang Gandhi spoke about the next captain after Rohit Sharma. He said leadership should be given to those who are confident of selection in Test cricket. He highlighted Rishabh Pant’s contribution to the team and backed him to be vice-captain. Speaking to PTI, he said:
“For me it’s a very simple thing. You look at the data and you find out who is a safe pick in Test cricket. Bumrah has played 45 Tests and Pant has 43 Tests. He (Pant) is 27 now and compared to when he was only 23, he himself won one of the biggest Tests in India at the Gabba as captain.”
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