Rohit Sharma Addresses Media On His Decision To 'Rest', Breaks Silence On Retirement Rumours

Rohit Sharma has addressed his decision to "opt to rest" from the fifth India vs Australia Test in Sydney.

The India captain chose to sit out of the match amid a poor run of form, sparking speculation that it could mark the end of his Test career.

Photo Credit: PTI

With India not playing another Test for over five months and Rohit now 38 years old, questions arose about his future in the longest format.

His tally of just 31 runs in five innings during the series in Australia weighed heavily on him, leading to his decision to step aside.

"I stood down, that is what I would say. The chat that I had with the coach and selector was very simple: I was not able to score runs with the bat. I am not in form. This is an important match, we needed a win. We couldn't carry many out-of-form players. They backed my decision, which was difficult for me to take," he said on Star Sports.

"The thought process had been ongoing for quite some time. The decision was taken after coming here. After Melbourne, there was New Year's Day. On that day, I didn't want to tell the coach and selector about this. I was trying but could not score, and it was important for me to step aside for this match."

Rohit also dismissed rumours of retirement. After his decision to rest, cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri suggested this might signal the end of Rohit's Test career. However, Rohit has categorically denied such claims.

"I don't believe in what happens five months later. I want to focus on the present. This decision is not a retirement decision. I am not going to move away from the game. But for this game, I am out because I am not scoring with the bat. There is no guarantee that after five months I will not score runs. Every day life changes. I believe in myself," he explained.

"At the same time, I have to be realistic. I have played this game for so long. Nobody from outside can decide when I should go, sit out, or lead the team. I am sensible, mature, and a father of two. I know what I want in life."

When the anchor remarked, "It was a pleasure to have you as India captain," Rohit replied: "Arre kahin ja nahi raha hoon main (I am not going anywhere)."

Rohit's decision opened the door for Shubman Gill's inclusion in the pivotal fifth match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with India trailing 1-2 in the series.

"I have not come this far to just sit out. I have come to win matches for the team. But sometimes, you need to understand what the team needs. If you don't think about the team, then why are you here? It's all about teamwork. I can't speak for others, but I am like this. If somebody does not like it, that's okay," he added.