'I Have Not Retired, I Have Just Stepped Down From This Match': Rohit Sharma Clears Air On His Test Future

India's captain Rohit Sharma has voluntarily stepped down from playing in the Sydney Test, and many speculated that he might retire from Test cricket. However, Rohit himself has addressed these rumors regarding his retirement.

On the second day of the Sydney Test, Rohit explained his decision to not play, prioritizing the team's interests over his own, "I wasn't able to score runs. If I fail, I must accept it. So, I decided not to play for the benefit of the team."

This clarification indicates that Rohit is not retiring from Test cricket. He further confirmed this, saying, "I have not retired. I’ve just decided not to play in this match. I was not able to score runs. Many of our batters are not in good form, and it was affecting the match. As a captain, I always think about what's best for the team. I don't think about what will happen in three or six months. I make decisions based on the current situation. This is a team sport, not an individual sport. I discussed this with the coach and selectors and took this decision. I’m not going anywhere; I’m staying with the team."

Rohit also emphasized that he would not retire based on anyone’s comments, saying, "I came this far to play, not to sit out. But the team's interests come first. This is a team sport, and 11 players need to play, no one can play alone. Look, whatever people write or say doesn’t change our lives. I’ve been playing for so long. I’m experienced. As a father of two, I know what’s right and what’s not. I’ve tried to score runs but couldn’t. So, I decided not to play in this match. I am sensitive. I won’t retire based on anyone’s words. I know when to stop."

Rohit had already made the decision not to play in Sydney. "I decided after coming to Sydney. There wasn’t much time between the two Tests, and the New Year was in between. I didn’t want to discuss this earlier. After arriving here, I spoke about it. Just because I’m not playing this match doesn’t mean I won’t play the next Test. Right now, I’m not getting runs. Neither with the bat nor the ball. I could score runs in two or five months. I’ve been playing for so long, and I know what to do. This can happen in cricket. One innings can bring back your form. This match was very important for us. We needed someone in form, and playing someone who is out of form doesn’t make sense in this situation. We want to win this match, and that’s a simple thing. This is what was on my mind. I told the coach and selectors about it, and they supported my decision."