India’s Test captain Rohit Sharma has decided to sit out the final Test against Australia in Sydney due to his recent struggles with the bat. Despite his absence, the 37-year-old has made it clear that he is not retiring from Test cricket anytime soon.

India is currently trailing 2-1 in the series and must win this match to level the series 2-2 and retain the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, Rohit’s performance throughout the series has been a concern, with only 31 runs scored across five innings at an average of 6.20. His poor form extends beyond this series, as he has managed just one half-century in his last 15 Test innings, averaging a mere 10.93, including ten single-digit scores.

Jasprit Bumrah is leading the team as the stand-in captain for this crucial game. Rohit has explained that his decision to step aside was based on his lack of form and not due to retirement plans. He emphasized that this choice was made after discussions with the selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir, who supported his decision.

Rohit stated, “This is not about retirement or leaving the game. I am not scoring runs right now, but that doesn’t mean I won’t score in the future. Cricket changes all the time. I believe things will get better, but I also need to be honest about my current form. Critics don’t decide when I retire or step aside; I do.”

The skipper highlighted the importance of having in-form players for such a high-stakes match. “I told the coach and selectors that my form isn’t helping the team right now. This match is critical, and we need players who are contributing. They understood and trusted my judgment,” he added.

As of now, the Sydney Test hangs in balance after two days of play. India is struggling at 141-6 in their second innings but holds a 145-run lead over Australia. The team faces a tough challenge to secure victory and keep their hopes alive for a spot in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s against South Africa.

India’s next Test assignment will be against England later this year, where Rohit will turn 38. For now, all eyes are on Sydney as India fights to stay in contention for one of cricket’s biggest prizes.