Mon Dec 30 18:32:08 UTC 2024: ## Rohit Sharma’s Poor Form Sparks Retirement Speculation

**Melbourne, Australia:** Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma’s recent poor form has fueled intense speculation about his potential retirement from Test cricket, particularly after India’s loss in the Melbourne Test. While social media is abuzz with calls for his resignation, Sharma himself has dismissed such talk.

Following the defeat, Sharma stated in a press conference that he isn’t currently considering retirement, maintaining that his position as captain and batsman remains unchanged. He acknowledged his struggles, stating, “I’m trying to do a lot as a batsman, but things aren’t happening. You want to correct those things on the field, but when it doesn’t happen, it’s quite disappointing.”

Sharma’s performance this year has been underwhelming. In 14 Test matches, spanning 26 innings, he has scored only 619 runs at an average of 24.76. His recent form is particularly concerning, with just one half-century in his last 15 Test innings. His performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been even more dismal, managing only 31 runs at a measly average of 6.20 in five innings.

While Sharma remains focused on the remaining match of the series, his future in Test cricket remains a subject of intense debate and speculation.

**(Separate news item):** Delhi government announces ₹18,000 monthly honorarium for temple priests and gurudwara granthis. The announcement, following protests by imams demanding increased salaries, has been met with criticism from the BJP, who accuse the AAP of trying to appease Muslim voters. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, however, defended the move as a recognition of spiritual contributions and cultural preservation.

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