BGT 2024-25: Mark Taylor questions Rohit Sharma’s absence in Sydney test, calls it a drop not rest
Xtra Time Web Desk: India’s decision to leave out skipper Rohit Sharma for the fifth and final Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground raised eyebrows on Friday. Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who captained India to a dominant 10-wicket victory in the series opener at Perth, took charge once again as India aimed to level the series. Australia already holds an unassailable 2-1 lead after their 184-run win in Melbourne.
Rohit has faced mounting criticism from former players and fans due to his poor form with the bat and questionable leadership. While Bumrah announced at the toss that Rohit had “opted to rest,” former Australian cricketer Mark Taylor strongly disagreed with the explanation, claiming Rohit had been dropped.
"To be honest, that's, what do I call that. That's once again, sidestepping the point. The bottom line is the captain of a country does not opt out for the final Test match, the final deciding Test match of a series," Taylor said on Triple M Cricket.
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He further stated, "He has been dropped and I don't know why they just don't say he's been dropped. That doesn't mean he's dropped forever, it means he's missing this match because he is out of form. That's not a crime. That is unfortunately professional sports."
Bumrah, however, defended the decision by emphasizing team unity and selflessness.
"Our captain has shown leadership by opting to rest in this game. That shows there's a lot of unity in this team. There's no selfishness. Whatever is in the team's best interest we are looking to do that. Two changes, Rohit has opted to rest and Akash Deep is injured so Prasidh comes in," Bumrah said during the toss.
Rohit Sharma has... chosen to rest? ????
— Triple M Cricket (@triplemcricket) January 2, 2025
Mark Taylor: "He's been dropped and I don't know why they don't just say he's been dropped."#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/SHfHCuJwcn
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Discussing the pitch conditions, Bumrah added, "We've played some really good cricket in this series. The last match was pretty exciting. Hopefully we can put up a good show. It seems to be some grass. It doesn't look to have too many demons or look too spicy. Obviously there will be a challenge with the new ball but if you get through it's always a good batting track."
Rohit’s exclusion comes after he managed just 31 runs across five innings in the series. The 37-year-old appeared out of form, struggling to execute his signature strokes, including his trademark front pull.
With questions swirling about Rohit’s Test future, India now faces a must-win situation to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while Australia needs only a draw to secure the series.
