During the draw for the fifth test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between Australia and India At the Sydney Cricket Ground, former Indian cricket coach Ravi Shastri Highlighting why the replacement captain was not questioned Jasprit Bumrah About the absence of the regular captain Rohit Sharma.
Lottery and team formation
The draw saw Bumrah opt to bat first, a decision taken in the absence of Rohit, who opted to be rested for the match. The grass-covered pitch under an overcast sky indicated a good day for bowling, but Bumrah's choice was clear. He also announced that Rohit had decided to sit out, allowing him to do so Shubman Gill To return to the lineup.
Sanjay Manjrekar raises questions
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar He expressed his surprise at the lack of direct inquiries about Rohit during the draw. He stressed that fans, who are an integral part of the sport's popularity, deserve clarity on such decisions. Manjrekar found it surprising that Rohit's status – whether rested, dropped or unavailable – was not addressed during the toss, something he believes should have been a priority question. He criticized this lack of openness, referring to it as a “cloak and dagger” approach, and highlighted the need for better communication with the cricket community.
“We have to share with the fans who have made cricket the great game in India. When they see Bumrah getting bowled out, the first thing that comes to their mind is what happened to Rohit Sharma? Did he opt out? Was he dropped? I was amazed that when he was bowled he was not asked. I did Toss a few times That was the first question after I asked him What do you do I don't understand this cloak and dagger that is in Indian cricket. Manjrekar said on Star Sports.
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Ravi Shastri offers his explanation
Shastri revealed that he could not ask Bumrah about Rohit's absence because Bumrah proactively addressed the matter during the toss. Bumrah explained that Rohit chose to sit out, believing that the team would be stronger with Gill included. Shastri added that such decisions often stem from a player being out of form, mentally unstable or lacking in runs, highlighting Rohit's selfless choice to prioritize the team's needs over personal considerations.
“Before I could ask him (Jasprit Bumrah), he said the captain chose to sit out and said the team will be stronger if Shubman Gill plays. That can happen when you are in bad form, you are not there mentally, you have no runs under your belt,” he said. Shastri said.