India's recent form in Test cricket has been worrying, as they have lost six of their last eight matches. A rain-fed draw in Brisbane and a solitary win in Perth were the only positive aspects in a dismal run for India in the longest format of the game.
The Indian cricket team's 1-3 loss came after being whitewashed in a three-match Test series at home by New Zealand, marking one of India's worst runs since 2011-12, when they lost eight of 11 Tests – four each in England and Australia. , after which VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid were out.
BCCI reviews Australia tour as Test challenges mount in India
This time, Ravichandran Ashwin has already retired during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and more departures may follow after the 3-1 Test series defeat to Australia. Speculation also surrounds Rohit Sharma's future in Test cricket. While Rohit has denied retirement rumours, his poor form and omission from the Sydney Test suggests otherwise.
Well, the upcoming Special General Meeting of BCCI, where Devajit Saikia will take over as the new Board Secretary, will discuss the future of the team, including possible changes in leadership, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the team management. Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir and the selectors will soon sit down for a detailed review of the tour of Australia.
Meanwhile, a BCCI official confirmed that Rohit Sharma's future in the Indian Test team is hanging by a thread after the crushing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 loss to Australia. With India's hopes of reaching the 2025 WTC final fading, the pressure is mounting on the skipper and he will be a central figure at the upcoming SGM on Sunday, January 12.
BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar faces a tough challenge regarding Rohit Sharma's Test career.
The official also revealed that Rohit Sharma will now have to fight to regain his place or step down from the Test team, but noted that all eyes are on chief selector Ajit Agarkar and his committee to make the call.
“Rohit has been waiting to see if India can find an escape route to the WTC final. Now, it is really up to him whether he continues to fight for a place or not,” Hindustan Times quoted a BCCI official as saying. No, but the decision will be up to him.” Ajit Agarkar and his selection committee.
The Indian cricket team made a lot of tactical errors against Australia, including playing Harshit Rana off Prasidh Krishna and opting for two spinners on a pace-friendly Sydney pitch instead of adding an extra bowler for the final Test. Due to these calls, Rohit Sharma and the team management are under intense scrutiny.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma's big role in Jasprit Bumrah's back injury at SCG revealed
BCCI official reveals Gautam Gambhir's position under the scanner
Even before the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, some Indian selectors had allegedly claimed that they had no 'role' to play in selecting the pitches used for the New Zealand Test series. This put Gautam Gambhir's role as India's head coach under the microscope, as many of his white-ball strategies struggled to translate into Test success.
Additionally, India's journey under Gautam Gambhir began with an ODI series loss in Sri Lanka, adding to the pressure. The upcoming home ODI series against England, followed by the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in February and March, will be crucial to Gambhir's tenure.
A board official also pointed out that India's woes began long before the tour of Australia. The decision to prepare spin-friendly courts at home, and then failing to do so, was the first setback to hurt their chances of reaching the World Trade Center final.
“It's not just a tour of Australia. The decision to go for second place at home and then fall short was the first blow that propelled India back into the race for the WTC finals,” the board official said.