Sanjay Manjrekar Praises Rohit Sharma’s Decision to Rest for Sydney Test

Manjrekar calls Rohit’s choice ‘right for the team’ but questions lack of clarity around the decision.

Sydney [Australia], January 3: Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has praised Rohit Sharma for opting out of the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). However, he also questioned the lack of transparency surrounding the decision.

During the toss, Jasprit Bumrah, donning the captain’s blazer, confirmed that Rohit Sharma had opted to rest for the final match. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Manjrekar said the decision was characteristic of Rohit’s team-first attitude but expressed confusion about why it wasn’t openly addressed.

“So typical of Rohit Sharma. Doing the right thing, doing what’s right for the team. But could not understand the ‘cloak & dagger’ around the issue. Wasn’t even talked about at the toss,” wrote Manjrekar.

Batting Woes and Rohit’s Form

India’s batting has been a point of concern throughout the series, with senior players failing to deliver consistent performances. Rohit Sharma, in particular, has had a disappointing run with just 31 runs from five innings at an average of 6.20.

His struggles with form have been ongoing since the Bangladesh series, where he managed just 42 runs in two Tests, averaging 10.50.

Bumrah Leads India in Sydney Test

Despite Rohit’s absence, Jasprit Bumrah has stepped up as captain, leading the side for the crucial final Test. Winning the toss, India opted to bat first at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Team Line-ups for the Sydney Test

Australia (Playing XI): Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah (C), Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj.

As the series hangs in the balance with Australia leading 2-1, India faces a must-win scenario to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and keep their World Test Championship Final hopes alive.