Fri Jan 03 04:13:54 UTC 2025: ## Irfan Pathan Defends Rohit Sharma’s Self-Dropping from Sydney Test
**Sydney, Australia** – Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has defended captain Rohit Sharma’s decision to sit out the Sydney Test match, citing poor form and a selfless prioritization of the team. Sharma’s absence, amidst ongoing speculation of a rift between him and head coach Gautam Gambhir, has sparked considerable controversy.
Sharma has scored only 31 runs in five innings during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, leading to speculation about his form. Pathan, however, believes Sharma’s decision to drop himself was a mature and unselfish act. He stated that Sharma, recognizing his poor form and the superior performance of Shubman Gill, chose to prioritize the team’s success. Pathan lauded Sharma’s decision as “humility personified,” highlighting the rarity of a captain self-dropping themselves from a match. He argued that this action demonstrates a secure and confident captain, placing team needs above personal pride. Jasprit Bumrah is captaining the team in Sharma’s absence.
First Piper 