Team India's wicket-keeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has spoken about Rohit Sharma's absence from the fifth Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series. Rishabh Pant described the decision as an emotional one, admitting that Rohit Sharma has been the captain of the Indian cricket team for a long time.
Rohit missed the first Test in Perth due to the birth of his second child but returned to captain the side in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. However, his batting performance was disappointing, as he scored just 31 runs in five innings across three Tests at a dismal average of 6.20, with a top score of 10.
Apart from his batting, India's struggles under his leadership were evident. The visiting team lost two matches and tied one match affected by rain. India squandered a 1-0 lead to fall 1-2 down in the series after losing at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Rohit opted to rest for the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
It was definitely an emotional decision – Rishabh Pant over Rohit Sharma
Jasprit Bumrah, who led the team in the Perth Test, leads India in the ongoing fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. After the first day's match, Rishabh Pant said that the decision to drop Rohit Sharma was taken by the team management and that he was not part of the discussions.
“I think it was definitely an emotional decision because he's been a captain for a long time. We see him as a captain of the team. But some decisions are not in your hands; it's a management call. I wasn't part of that conversation so I can't explain anything beyond that,” Pant told reporters. “.
Pant played a pivotal role for India on a challenging green pitch under overcast conditions after the team elected to bat first. Pant showed remarkable patience after entering with a score of 57-3 at the start of the second session. He endured several body blows from Pacers players and scored 40 runs off 98 balls.
The message is to be positive all the time – Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant pointed out that Jasprit Bumrah constantly encourages the team to remain optimistic, focus on the present and do their best on the field. He stressed that this approach motivates the team and helps maintain momentum throughout the match.
“I think the message mostly is to be positive all the time. Don't think about what has already happened. Just do your best on the field. And that's what you want from your captain: to be in a positive frame of mind and keep the game moving forward every day,” Pant said. “That's the idea.”
Sometimes I feel like giving advice – Rishabh Pant
The wicketkeeper-batsman said he sometimes feels like giving advice, but believes it is important to have open conversations with his teammates. He stressed that such exchanges are normal in cricket and can be beneficial for the team.
“No, sometimes I feel like giving advice. I think it's all fair. Instead of cricket, you can have a conversation with every player,” Pant concluded.