Rohit Sharma’s retirement drama: Struggles, rifts, second chance
Sports: Test woes and rumored rift between Rohit and Gautam Gambhir may set him on retirement, but now Sharma is looking at his redemption in the upcoming ODIs and even in the Champions Trophy.
Sports: Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma faced a difficult period of time in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. In five innings, Rohit scored just 31 runs and was struggling in form as well after poor showings in successive home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand. His captaincy of India has also been questioned since India suffered a 0-3 clean sweep against New Zealand and then a 1-3 defeat in Australia's home series. According to a report by The Times of India, Rohit even thought of retiring after his failure at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
A source revealed, "Rohit had made up his mind after MCG. Had his well-wishers from the outside not forced him to change his mind, we could have well seen another retirement in Australia."
Clashes with head coach Gautam Gambhir
It is said that Rohit was being advised by his close associates not to delay retirement. But it has now emerged that the change of heart did not quite find favor with head coach Gautam Gambhir. The whispers about a disagreement between the two were further fuelled when Gambhir attended the pre-match media conference before the final Test at Sydney-a role typically performed by the captain. Adding to the mystery was Rohit not present in the slip cordon for the last session of the training, thereby fuelling tension in the team. According to reports, both had differences on several key issues including selection in the team and decisions for tosses, hence, making it a hotbed for internal controversies for the entire series.
Redemption in ODIs
Despite the Test series turmoil, Rohit is set to lead India in the upcoming three-match ODI series against England. His partnership with young opener Shubman Gill will be crucial as India eyes a comeback. Rohit’s form in 2024 Test cricket has been alarming, with just 164 runs in 15 innings at an average of 10.93. However, the Indian captain hopes for a turnaround in the shorter format, where he has historically thrived. Yet, the buzz between Rohit and Gambhir remains as India steps up towards the Champions Trophy in February.
