Ravi Shastri, the former coach of India, explained why he refrained from inquiring Jasprit Bumrah about Rohit Sharma's absence during the New Year's Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. With India trailing 1-2 in the series, a victory in this match was crucial for them to retain the trophy. The team was keen to avoid any uncertainty regarding their captain, which was precisely the situation in the two days leading up to the decisive match. The speculation was clarified when Jasprit Bumrah appeared for the toss instead of Rohit Sharma on Friday morning.

Bumrah won the toss and chose to bat on a green pitch. Interestingly, Shastri, who had been conducting the toss throughout the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, did not immediately question Bumrah about Rohit's absence. Instead, he focused on the team's composition. It was during this exchange that Bumrah disclosed Rohit's decision to sit out the Test match as the team's leader. "Our captain has shown his leadership; he's opted to rest in this game," Bumrah stated at the toss. "This demonstrates the unity within our team; there is no selfishness, and we are prioritizing what is best for the team."

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar expressed strong criticism regarding India's rationale and the fact that Shastri did not pose a question about Rohit. "I was astonished that he wasn't asked at the toss. Having conducted the toss myself several times, that would have been my first question after inquiring about the match decision. I fail to comprehend this secrecy that seems to pervade Indian cricket," Manjrekar remarked on Star Sports.

Shastri remarked that prior to his inquiry, Bumrah, the world's top fast bowler, raised the issue of Rohit during the toss.

"Before I had the chance to ask him (Jasprit Bumrah), he mentioned that the captain chose to sit out and indicated that the team would be more robust with Shubman Gill in the lineup. Such situations can arise when a player is struggling, lacking mental focus, and not accumulating runs," Shastri stated during the commentary.

‘Rohit might pull the plug at the end of this Test’: Shastri

The former India all-rounder characterized Rohit's decision as a "courageous choice," suggesting that he may consider ending his Test career at this juncture.

"It is indeed a courageous decision for a captain to admit, 'I am willing to take a seat on the bench for this match.' Had there been a home season approaching, he might have contemplated continuing, but I believe he may decide to conclude his Test career following this match.

"It is not as though India lacks young talent. There are numerous highly skilled players ready to step up, and it is time to focus on development. These are difficult choices, but there is an appropriate time for everything," he remarked.

Rohit stepped away from T20 international cricket last year after securing the World Cup title, yet he has not officially retired from ODI cricket.

He was absent for the first Test in Perth due to the birth of his second child and has not appeared fully engaged since, failing to exceed 10 runs in any of his five innings.

His recent performance follows a similarly disappointing showing during India's 3-0 home series defeat to New Zealand in October and November.

Read Also: Virat Kohli's Persistent Struggles: Another Familiar Dismissal in Sydney Marks 22nd Incident in Four Years