Sanjay Manjrekar Slams Lack of Clarity on Rohit Sharma’s Absence from Sydney Test
Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma’s absence from the fifth Test in Sydney has raised eyebrows. The match, deemed a “do-or-die” scenario, saw Rohit take “rest,” leading to widespread speculation and criticism. Many are questioning how a captain can opt out of such a crucial match.
Recently, Rohit has struggled with poor form, which some speculate may have influenced his decision to step away. Commentator Sanjay Manjrekar criticized the lack of clarity on Rohit’s absence during the toss and questioned the BCCI’s transparency. “A captain missing such a key match without explanation is shocking,” Manjrekar said.
Ravi Shastri, former head coach, remained silent on the matter, which Manjrekar found surprising. “This is one of the biggest incidents in Indian cricket this year. The lack of detailed discussion after the toss has made it even more intriguing,” he added.
Jasprit Bumrah, stepping in as interim captain, addressed the toss by saying, “Our captain is taking a rest for this game, so I am leading the team. There is no personal agenda; we always prioritize what is best for the team.”
Sanjay Manjrekar acknowledged Rohit’s contributions to Indian cricket but expressed disappointment at his absence in a series-deciding game. “Rohit Sharma is not just another player; he’s a significant figure in Indian cricket with many memorable wins. But for a player of his stature to step away before such a critical match is concerning. Fans deserve an explanation,” he said during a Star Sports broadcast.
Sanjay Manjrekar speculated on whether Rohit voluntarily withdrew or was dropped, calling the lack of transparency puzzling. “When Jasprit Bumrah came out for the toss, the first question on everyone’s mind was: what happened to Rohit Sharma? Did he step down voluntarily, or was he removed?”
He also raised doubts about the justification of rest, stating, “Rohit didn’t play the first Test of this series, nor did he participate in domestic cricket before the New Zealand series. If anyone needs rest, they usually take it after a crucial match, not before.”
Sanjay Manjrekar concluded by saying, “Rohit isn’t an all-time great who can afford to keep fans in the dark. If it were Virat Kohli, it would make sense due to his stature. But Rohit, averaging 40 across 60 Tests, cannot justify such secrecy. This situation feels extremely mysterious.”
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