As reported by Timesofindia.com on the eve of the Sydney Test, India captain Rohit Sharma was dropped from the playing eleven for the series-decider against Australia, which began on Friday.
Rohit, who had scored just 31 runs in five innings of this Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) was replaced by Shubman Gill, while KL Rahul returned to the opening slot alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. But what surprised former India batter turned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar was the fact that the official reason for Rohit’s exclusion was not discussed during the chat with India’s stand-in captain, Jasprit Bumrah, at the toss.
But contrary to Manjrekar’s view, stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah did speak about it at the toss. “Our skipper has opted to rest. It shows the unity we have,” the fast bowler said.
However, Manjrekar said it was “mysterious” of former India coach Ravi Shastri, who conducted the toss, to not ask about the situation around Rohit.
“Very mysterious from Ravi,” Manjrekar said on Star Sports. “I was amazed. I don’t understand this cloak and dagger thing in Indian cricket. This is the issue with Indian cricket culture. We are just secretive in our operation. Rohit Sharma is someone who has played 62 Test matches.
“We have to share with the fans who have made cricket the great game that it is in India. When they see Bumrah walking out (for the toss), the first thought in their minds is what happened to Rohit Sharma? Has he opted out? Has he been dropped? I was amazed that at the toss he (Bumrah) wasn’t asked. I have done the toss a few times. That would have been the first question after asking him what are you doing (decision to bat or bowl).”
Manjrekar said it’s difficult to believe that Rohit ‘rested’ for a match that will decide who keeps the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) and is also crucial to India’s thin chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final.
Australia, who lead the five-Test series 2-1, need a win or a draw to reclaim the BGT for the first time since 2014.
“I believe the official word is that he has opted to rest. Will fans accept that? This is the guy who didn’t play in the first Test, didn’t play domestic cricket before the New Zealand series. If anyone needs rest, it is the (stand-in) captain (Bumrah) who is playing this Test,” Manjrekar added.
“That is the issue that I have with Indian cricket culture. We have some brilliant cricketers and the fans follow them passionately. We just don’t give them facts as much as they deserve by this very mysterious and secretive operation around some important matters.”
