"In the larger interest of Indian cricket" - India legend bats for Rohit Sharma to play Ranji Trophy after BGT 2024-25

Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar called on skipper Rohit Sharma to play for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy to rediscover his red-ball form with the bat. Rohit surprisingly opted out of the fifth and final Test against Australia in Sydney due to his extended lean run.

The 37-year-old has scored only 164 runs in his last 15 Test innings at an average of under 11 with a lone half-century. After missing the first Test in Perth due to the birth of his second child, Rohit returned to lead the side in Adelaide.

However, he endured three dismal outings, scoring only 31 runs at an average of 6.20, resulting in his exclusion for the ongoing fifth Test.

Speaking to India Today after Day 2 of the Sydney Test, Gavaskar said:

"Well, there are not much of four-day games that are available, but if there are some like the Ranji Trophy, if Mumbai do qualify for the knockout stages, he should be looking to play some matches. I know it's a little bit unfair on some of the boys who've been playing in the initial and qualifying stages to make way for him. But in the larger interest of Indian cricket, I think if there is a spot for him to play, he should be doing that because that's the one way that he will be giving himself time out in the middle."

Mumbai has two group stage games remaining in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, starting January 23 and 30, respectively., followed by the knockout games should they qualify.

"About batting for a whole day, batting for 4.5 and 5 hours, and getting a big score" - Sunil Gavaskar

BORDER GAVASKAR TROPHY TEST: DEC 30 NRMA Insurance Boxing Day Test - Source: Getty

Sunil Gavaskar felt Rohit Sharma will regain his Test form only by batting long hours in red-ball cricket.

The veteran batter has played 67 Tests in his career with 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries.

"It's not just about playing 15–20 overs or 35 overs in a 50-over game. It's about batting for a whole day, batting for 4.5 and 5 hours, and getting a big score. That is what is going to give him confidence for the Test matches," said Gavaskar.

Apart from his batting struggles, Rohit's Test captaincy has come under scrutiny with India losing five out of their last six games under him, including a 0-3 home series whitewash against New Zealand.