Former cricketer Atul Wassan has suggested that Rohit Sharma should contemplate excluding himself from India's Playing XI for the upcoming Test against Australia in Sydney. Wassan emphasizes the importance of fielding the strongest possible team to secure victory in a Test match. He acknowledges that it may be difficult for Rohit to accept, but currently, he does not rank among the top eleven players. Rohit's batting performance has been inconsistent, and his captaincy has also come under scrutiny. Given the critical nature of the final Test, where India must win to level the series and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rohit is perceived as a potential liability. Notably, India's sole victory in the series occurred during a match in which Rohit was absent. Wassan urges the 37-year-old to prioritize the team's interests and make the courageous decision to step aside for the New Year's Test, commencing January 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Wassan expressed his sympathy for players of Rohit's calibre, stating, "It is disheartening to witness their struggles, especially as they approach the twilight of their careers. Delaying such a decision can lead to lasting negative memories for fans who have cherished these players. It is crucial to avoid exiting the sport under such circumstances. This is undoubtedly a challenging choice for Rohit, who has been an exceptional player. However, if he were to voluntarily step down, it would earn him significant respect as a captain. In team sports, the best eleven players should be selected first, followed by the appointment of a captain, rather than the reverse."

Rohit's difficulties have persisted for an extended period. He recorded an average of 15.16 against New Zealand at home, accumulating 91 runs with a single half-century, before his journey to Australia. Unfortunately, his performance in Australia has been disappointing, with only 31 runs across five innings, resulting in a dismal average of 6.2. Wassan believes that Rohit's challenges are more psychological than technical, a notion underscored by his dismissal in the first innings, where the Indian captain executed a shot that lacked clarity. Whether batting in the middle order or at the top, Rohit seems to be in a state of confusion, which is significantly impacting the team's performance.

"Observe how he played that shot in the first innings. On any other day, the former Rohit Sharma would have effortlessly sent it over midwicket. Instead, he attempted the shot, which is his usual trigger, only to realize mid-swing, 'Oh my god,' and abruptly halted. The result was rather ungraceful. He is aware of his mental state. It is not a question of his abilities as a player. He has the potential to rebound, but if he acknowledges, 'I am not in the right mindset. Perhaps I should sit out and allow Sarfaraz to play,' then who knows? He is that kind of individual. If his style of play is not compatible with the conditions in Australia, then why include him in the squad only to serve as a water boy? This is the crux of the issue. There seems to be a reluctance to make tough decisions in India," Wassan remarked.

Steve Waugh was told 'Retire, or you'll be dropped

Rohit, as the captain and a guaranteed selection, unfortunately, did not participate in the Boxing Day Test, which was a setback for Shubman Gill. To further illustrate his perspective, Wassan discussed the structure of the Australian team, recalling how the iconic Steve Waugh had declared his retirement before the 2003/04 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Additionally, despite public sentiment urging Rohit to retire following the Sydney Test, Wassan advocates for the captain to forgo the SCG Test, take a respite, and return rejuvenated. He believes that a player of Rohit's stature should not exit the game at a low point, where every run scored becomes a struggle.

Wassan emphasized, "This is why the ethos and culture within Australian cricket is superior. They remain resolute. Steve Waugh was informed that if he did not retire at that moment, he would be dropped. Consequently, he announced his retirement after the series. Therefore, we should refrain from questioning this process. I would be disheartened if Rohit were to retire during such a challenging period. I am confident that he can take a step back and return with renewed strength," the former Indian cricketer concluded.

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