“Ex-BCCI Selector Expresses Disappointment: Believes India Could Have Leveled Series If Rohit Sharma Had Not Opted Out”
Sayuri YukiFormer BCCI selector Jatin Paranjpe believes India might have drawn the Border-Gavaskar Trophy had Rohit Sharma not opted out of the Sydney Test.
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Jatin Paranjpe Reflects on Rohit Sharma’s Sydney Decision and Test Career
Former India selector Jatin Paranjpe has expressed disappointment over Rohit Sharma’s decision to opt out of the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney, a move he believes cost India the chance to level the series in Australia. At the time, India trailed 2-1, and Rohit, struggling for form with just 31 runs in three Tests, stepped down, allowing Jasprit Bumrah to lead the side.
Paranjpe recalled a previous conversation with Rohit Sharma where the batter emphasized his love for red-ball cricket, stating, “I started playing cricket with a red ball. I live for Test cricket.” This passion made his withdrawal from the crucial decider even more surprising for Paranjpe, who said, “I think Rohit could have done a lot more in Test cricket. He would be the first to admit that as well.”
Earlier this year, Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket, just days before the England tour squad announcement. His decision came shortly before Virat Kohli also bid farewell to the longest format, marking the end of an era for Indian cricket.
Rohit Sharma played 67 Tests for India, averaging 40.57, with his career witnessing a remarkable turnaround after moving to the opener’s role in 2019. From 2020 to 2024, he was one of India’s most dependable Test performers, scoring heavily at home and abroad. However, starting September 2024, Rohit Sharma endured a prolonged slump, which eventually influenced his decision to walk away.
Reflecting on India’s loss in Sydney and the series defeat, Paranjpe noted that the team’s chances of a comeback diminished without Rohit’s experience at the top. Despite Rohit Sharma initial assurance that he was “going nowhere,” his eventual retirement left fans and former cricketers pondering what more he could have achieved in Test cricket.
Ravi Shastri’s role
Former selector Jatin Paranjpe acknowledged the pivotal role Ravi Shastri played in reviving Rohit Sharma’s Test career. Paranjpe revealed that when he was part of the selection committee, it was Shastri’s idea to promote Rohit to the opener’s role—a move that completely changed his fortunes in red-ball cricket.
“That’s the big moment. I remember I was part of the selection committee at that time. That was Ravi Shastri’s idea. Superb thinker. Ravi is 3-4 steps ahead of everybody when it comes to reading the game,” Paranjpe said, praising the former India coach for his vision.
This bold decision in 2019 turned Rohit Sharma into one of India’s most consistent Test performers, allowing him to dominate at home and make crucial contributions overseas.
Although Rohit Sharma has retired from Test cricket after 67 matches, he will continue representing India in ODIs. Fans can next see him in action later this year when India tours Australia for a high-profile ODI series.
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