IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma is not playing in the final Test match against Australia in Sydney. Instead, Jasprit Bumrah is stepping in as captain. There had already been speculation about Rohit not participating in this match.In a significant move during the last match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Indian team decided to leave Rohit out. Bumrah announced at the toss that Rohit chose to rest due to his poor form. However, former Indian captain and legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar has a different perspective. He believes that Rohit has played his last Test match and that it’s time for India to move on without him.After the Melbourne Test, there were reports of a heated discussion between head coach Gautam Gambhir and Rohit. Gambhir was quite upset about the loss in that match, which led to the belief that Rohit might not play again and could retire from Test cricket after this match.This match is crucial for India because if they lose, their dream of winning the ICC World Test Championship will be shattered. Even if India wins, they will need to hope that the Australian team loses their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka to have a chance at the finals. Gavaskar thinks this scenario is unlikely, and if India doesn’t qualify for the finals, then the Melbourne Test will indeed be Rohit’s last, as he would likely retire from Test cricket.Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar said, “I think India might not qualify for the Test Championship finals. I believe the Melbourne Test will be Rohit’s last.The next World Test Championship will start with the England series, and the team will look for options that can play until the 2027 finals. Whether India reaches the finals or not is a separate issue, but I think that’s what the selection committee will do. So, I believe we’ve seen Rohit play his last Test match.” Ravi Shastri added, “If there were any upcoming home Test series, he might consider continuing. But I think he will retire after this Test match. He’s 38 now and not getting any younger. It’s not like India lacks young players.”
