Sat Jan 04 06:53:23 UTC 2025: ## Rohit Sharma Denies Retirement Amidst Sydney Test Absence
**Sydney, Australia** – Indian batsman Rohit Sharma has quashed speculation of his retirement from international cricket after he was omitted from the fifth and final Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia in Sydney. Sharma, who has averaged a meager 6.2 runs across five innings in the series, chose to sit out the match, citing his poor form.
Sharma’s decision follows Jasprit Bumrah’s injury after he took over the captaincy in Rohit’s absence (the latter opted out due to his poor form and also missed the first test due to the birth of his second child). Bumrah himself left the field injured during the second session, leaving Virat Kohli to lead the team in the field as India bowled Australia out for 181.
Speaking during the lunch break on day two, Sharma clarified his position to Star Sports, stating, “This is not a decision to retire, nor am I stepping away from the game. I’ve stood down for this match because I wasn’t scoring runs.” He emphasized his belief in his ability to regain form and dismissed suggestions from the media about his future in the team. “Life won’t change by what people with a mic, pen or laptop write or say,” he said. “They can’t decide when we should retire.”
Sharma explained his absence as a strategic decision for the team’s best interest. “I am not in form and it’s an important game. We need an in-form player. Our batting order isn’t in form at the moment. So out of form players can’t carry the team at the moment,” he stated.
India currently trails in the series and needs a win in Sydney to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and maintain its hopes of reaching the World Test Championship Final. An Australian victory would secure their spot in the final against South Africa at Lord’s in June. The match remains closely contested, with Australia reaching 101/5 at lunch on day two before India took another wicket in the afternoon session.
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