Rohit Sharma Should Fight Through This Phase: Irfan Pathan Ahead of Sydney Test

Pathan backs Rohit Sharma to overcome poor form, as India faces a must-win final Test in Sydney to keep WTC hopes alive.

New Delhi, January 2: As India prepares for the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has voiced his support for skipper Rohit Sharma, urging him to fight through his current rough patch rather than considering retirement.

“In my personal opinion, Rohit Sharma should fight out this phase. I don’t want him to walk out of this. He has done enough for Indian cricket, and I am sure he has the ability to turn this around. This is the last and crucial Test match of the series, and experience should come in handy. Whatever decisions need to be made should come out after the series,” Pathan posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Leadership Uncertainty Ahead of Final Test

Earlier reports suggested that Rohit Sharma might be rested for the final Test match in Sydney, with Jasprit Bumrah expected to lead the team.

During the pre-match press conference, head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the speculation around Rohit’s availability:
“Everything is fine with Rohit, and we will announce the playing XI tomorrow after evaluating the pitch. Our main focus in the dressing room has been on how we will win the next Test, as it is crucial for us,” Gambhir reassured.

A Must-Win Scenario for India

With Australia leading the series 2-1, India faces a do-or-die situation in the final Test to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The match is also critical for India’s chances of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final. Even with a win in Sydney, India would still require Australia to not win either of their upcoming Tests against Sri Lanka to secure their spot in the WTC Final at Lord’s in June.

The cricketing world will closely watch whether Rohit Sharma takes the field in Sydney and how India responds under immense pressure in the series decider.