IND vs AUS 4th Test: 'It's a Call,' After Mark Waugh, Ravi Shastri Weighs In on Rohit Sharma's Retirement

The IND vs AUS 4th Test has raised several questions about Rohit Sharma’s future, both as a player and as captain. While Mark Waugh and Ravi Shastri made their remarks before the result of the match, both highlighted the critical juncture that Rohit finds himself in following India’s performance in Melbourne.

Mark Waugh's Stance on Rohit Sharma's Retirement

Mark Waugh had voiced his concerns over Rohit Sharma’s place in the team. Speaking on Fox Cricket, Waugh boldly stated, “If I were a selector, Rohit Sharma’s continuation in the team would depend on his next innings.” He suggested that if Rohit fails to perform in the second innings, it might be time to move on, both from his captaincy and his place in the team. Waugh also proposed Jasprit Bumrah as a potential successor, citing the need for a change in leadership to rejuvenate the team.

Waugh’s statement came before India's inability to chase down a 340-run target on Day 5 of the IND vs AUS 4th Test. Despite acknowledging Rohit’s past achievements, Waugh emphasised the importance of form, especially at the top of the order, and questioned whether the captain could regain his form in time.

Ravi Shastri on Rohit Sharma

On the other hand, Ravi Shastri was more reserved in his comments about Rohit Sharma's future, despite his optimism regarding Virat Kohli. Speaking before the conclusion of the IND vs AUS 4th Test, Shastri remarked, “I think Virat will play for some time... I think he'll play for another three or four years.” However, when it came to Rohit, Shastri acknowledged the struggles with footwork and timing, stating, “It’s a call at the end of the series.” He emphasised that Rohit needs to decide what he wants for his career.

Rohit Sharma’s Form Under Scrutiny

Rohit Sharma’s form has been under heavy scrutiny following the IND vs AUS 4th Test. The Indian captain has had a disappointing run with the bat, scoring just 31 runs in five innings of the series and a meager 123 runs across his last six Tests. These statistics have only added to the pressure surrounding his leadership.

Moreover, Rohit’s captaincy has also been called into question. India has failed to win any of their last six Tests under his leadership, including a historic 0-3 loss against New Zealand at home earlier this year. The defeat to Australia in Melbourne has made it even harder to ignore the growing concerns about his leadership credentials.

Rohit Sharma’s Post-Match Remarks

In the post-match press conference after the IND vs AUS 4th Test, Rohit Sharma himself acknowledged that both his batting and captaincy had not lived up to expectations. “We had the opportunity today to pull the game in our favour or draw it. Still a game to go, if we play well, it'll be 2-2. I stand where I am standing today. Nothing to think what has happened in the past,” Rohit said. He added, “A lot of things I am trying to do as a batter are not falling into place. You want to come here and try to do things successfully. When it doesn’t come off, it is disappointing.”

Despite his struggles, Rohit’s leadership role remains crucial in guiding the team through this difficult period. However, as Waugh suggested, the pressure is mounting on the Indian captain, and his future in the team could depend on his performance in the upcoming innings.