Rohit Sharma’s Shocking Sydney Test Truth: Indian Captain Exudes Selflessness on Michael Clarke's Podcast

Indian captain Rohit Sharma addressed his controversial omission from the Sydney Test during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in a revealing interview on Michael Clarke’s podcast, offering insights into his decision-making.

The Sydney Test, the finale of a grueling series where India trailed 2-1, was marked by speculation about Rohit’s place in the playing XI. With only 31 runs in three Tests, his worst performance as a touring captain, Rohit faced intense scrutiny for his form and leadership. 

Reports of dressing room leaks and alleged tensions further fueled the narrative, with some suggesting that head coach Gautam Gambhir’s stern address after India’s 184-run loss in Melbourne had strained their rapport.

Rohit missed the first Test in Perth that India won due to personal reasons. He returned in Adelaide as a middle-order batter, and India’s dismal run started from there. After losing the second Test by 10 wickets, India drew the third match.

Rohit opened the batting in the fourth Test but failed terribly, scoring just 12 runs across both innings as India was defeated by 184 runs. He opted out of the Sydney Test, making way for Shubman Gill.

Speaking on his decision, Rohit asserted that he was not in good form, and as Shubman was sitting on the bench, he had to make a bold call and opt himself out.

"In the last Test match in Sydney, I had to be honest with myself. I was not hitting the ball well. And I didn't want to put myself there only because we had a lot of the other guys who were struggling as well. When you add yourself in there, it just becomes a little more... And we wanted Gill to play. He is such a good player. He missed out in the previous Test," Rohit said as quoted on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.

He then revealed that Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar were not totally convinced with his decision, but he had to do it, looking at the demands of the team.

"I was like, 'Okay, if I'm not hitting the ball well, it's right now.' Things can change ten days later, five days later. I spoke to the coach and the selector, who was there on the tour. They kind of agreed - not agreed. There was an argument around it. You try and put the team first and just look at what the team wants and make the decision accordingly. Sometimes it may work, sometimes it may not. So that's how it goes," Rohit added.

Rohit Sharma Sets Eyes at England Test Series

While reports suggested that Rohit might opt out of the England Test series, starting June 20, he dismissed such rumors. The 37-year-old expressed his optimism about India’s chances of beating England in England in a Test series.

"Absolutely. Last time we played these guys, it was 2-2. We need some of these guys (Bumrah and Shami) to be 100 percent. We just got to make sure they come out of IPL really well. This is the most challenging one. I know it's only four overs, but you play today, travel tomorrow, and then play again. That's the challenging part - travelling all across the country - and it's challenging. I hope these two guys, along with the other guys, come out of the IPL."

"If we have a fit team going to England, we will have a great series. It will be a good challenge for us," Rohit concluded.

Rohit is currently plying his trade in the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) for Mumbai Indians (MI). In five matches so far in the season, he has only scored 56 runs at an average of 11.20. He will be next seen in action in the Mumbai Indians’ match versus Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) scheduled on April 17 at the Wankhede Stadium.

Also read: Michael Clarke Hails Kuldeep Yadav's IPL Impact; Backs Rohit Sharma for England Test Tour