Sat Jan 04 06:03:20 UTC 2025: ## Rohit Sharma Quashes Retirement Speculation After Omission From Sydney Test
**Sydney, Australia** – Indian batsman Rohit Sharma has emphatically denied rumours of retirement after being omitted from the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia in Sydney. Sharma, who averaged a mere 6.2 runs across the series, opted out of the match citing his poor form. His absence follows his missing the first Test due to the birth of his second child.
The decision to sit out the crucial Sydney Test, where India needs a win to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and maintain slim hopes for the World Test Championship Final, sparked widespread speculation about his future in the sport. However, speaking during the lunch break on day two, Sharma clarified the situation.
“This is not a decision to retire, nor am I stepping away from the game,” Sharma stated. “I’ve stood down for this match because I wasn’t scoring runs. There’s no guarantee runs won’t come in the future. I’m a sensible, mature man, and I know what I need in life. Out of form players can’t carry the team, so this was the simple thing in my mind.”
Sharma’s absence leaves India without its regular captain, as Jasprit Bumrah, who captained in the first Test, also left the field injured during the second session. Virat Kohli stepped in to lead the team in the field.
Meanwhile, Australia, after being bowled out for 181, had reached 101/5 at lunch on day two before losing a further wicket in the afternoon session. A win for Australia would secure their place in the World Test Championship Final against South Africa and end a decade-long drought without the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
First Piper 