January 4, 2025: Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has praised Rohit Sharma for his leadership and selflessness after the Indian captain decided to step aside from the playing XI in the fifth and final Border-Gavaskar Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Despite not being part of the playing XI, Rohit remained actively involved with the team, contributing to strategy discussions during a drinks break on Saturday, showing his unwavering commitment to India’s success.
Raina, known for his leadership qualities, took to X (formerly Twitter) to commend Rohit’s decision, describing it as a reflection of the captain’s maturity and focus on the team’s success. Raina wrote:
“Rohit Sharma exemplifies leadership through honesty and selflessness. Despite personal challenges, he prioritizes team success, stepping aside when necessary. His leadership in the current Test series reflects his unwavering dedication to India’s success. A true legend of the game.”
Raina’s words resonate with the growing admiration for Rohit’s decision to step down from the playing XI due to his recent poor form. Instead of continuing to play through his struggles, Rohit opted to make room for a more in-form player, prioritizing India’s chances in the match. His involvement off the field during this Test underlines his commitment to the team, proving that leadership is not just about being on the field but also about supporting the squad in every capacity.
On the field, Rishabh Pant delivered a blistering knock in India’s second innings, which helped extend their lead over Australia to 145 runs. Pant’s fiery counterattack saw him score 61 runs off just 33 balls, which included six boundaries and four sixes, as India posted 141/6 at stumps. His knock was marked by a striking strike rate of 184.85, and he reached his half-century in just 29 balls, the second-fastest fifty by an Indian in Test cricket. The record for the fastest Indian Test fifty still stands at 28 balls, a feat also achieved by Pant against Sri Lanka in 2022.
Pant’s explosive batting turned the tide in India’s favor. He started his innings with a six off Mitchell Starc and followed it up with a flurry of boundaries, including three in one over from debutant Beau Webster. His aggressive approach provided India with much-needed momentum after a rocky start to their second innings.
Earlier in the day, Australia was bowled out for 181, with India securing a slender first-innings lead. When India began their second innings, openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul made a solid start, but both were dismissed cheaply, leaving India at 42/1. Rahul was dismissed for 13 by Scott Boland, while Jaiswal followed soon after for 22. Virat Kohli was then dismissed for 17 by Boland, caught by Steve Smith in the slip cordon. At 59/3, India faced more pressure.
The debutant Beau Webster then dismissed Shubman Gill for 13, further complicating matters for India. At this point, Pant took charge and played a scintillating knock that propelled India to a much-needed recovery.
Pant’s knock ended when he was dismissed by Pat Cummins for 61, but he had already given India a solid foundation. Nitish Kumar Reddy was dismissed cheaply for just 4 runs, caught by Cummins off Boland’s bowling, leaving India at 124/5.
At stumps on Day 2, Ravindra Jadeja (8*) and Washington Sundar (6*) remained at the crease, fighting hard to keep India’s lead intact. With India leading by 145 runs, the match remains finely poised, and India will look to further extend their advantage on Day 3.
As the match progresses, India will be looking to capitalize on the strong position created by Pant’s blistering knock and the solid batting of Jadeja and Sundar. Meanwhile, Australia will need to come up with a strong response if they are to level the series in this decisive final Test. The contributions of Rohit Sharma, both on and off the field, will continue to play a crucial role as India seeks to maintain its momentum and seal the series.
