Before the start of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, it seemed Rohit Sharma’s Test career was already nearing its twilight. In his last 10 Test innings before the Australia tour, Rohit had managed just 133 runs at an average of 13.30. His struggles deepened after arriving in Australia, where he has scored only 22 runs in four innings at an average of 5.50.
Had the team performed well, Rohit’s poor batting form might have been overshadowed. However, under his captaincy, India has failed to deliver, losing four out of their last five Tests. Even the drawn match in Brisbane was salvaged thanks to rain.
In the ongoing Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, Australia, led by Pat Cummins, is firmly in control with a lead of 333 runs across two innings. To win, India would have to set a record for the highest run chase in Melbourne. With Rohit back as an opener, the team will look to him for a match-defining performance.
But given his prolonged lean patch, a turnaround seems unlikely. Both Mark Waugh and Mike Hussey, Australian legends, believe that the second innings of the Melbourne Test might be Rohit’s final chance to revive his career. If he fails to deliver a significant knock tomorrow, they suggest he should seriously consider retirement.
Mark Waugh, who played 128 Tests, and Mike Hussey, with 79 Tests under his belt, are currently commentators for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Commenting on the fourth day, Waugh stated, “If I were a selector, I’d see what he does in the second innings. If he doesn’t score runs, I’d thank him for his services before the crucial Sydney Test and let him know it’s time to step aside. Rohit is a great player, but we want to see Jasprit Bumrah as captain at the SCG. His career would end there.”
Waugh further added, “It’s tough for Rohit to continue. His average of 11 in the last 14 innings indicates it’s time to move on. This happens to every player, no matter how great they are. Careers eventually come to an end.”
Echoing Waugh’s sentiments, Hussey remarked, “You don’t need anyone to tell you where you stand; the numbers speak for themselves. Before this tour, Rohit played on even tougher pitches, but his body language on the field now isn’t convincing, and his techniques seem off. It’s as if he’s past his prime.”
Hussey also believes the selectors have been patient enough with Rohit. “They’ve given him plenty of opportunities because he’s been a remarkable player for India. But at some point, that patience has to end. If he doesn’t score in the second innings, this Test should be his last.”
Reports from Indian media suggest that Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, is currently in Melbourne and plans to meet Rohit soon to discuss his Test future. If India fails to qualify for the World Test Championship final, the fifth and final Test in Sydney could mark the end of Rohit Sharma’s red-ball career.
