Little confused why he didn’t front the press conference” - Former Australia captain analyses Rohit Sharma’s future post BGT 2024-25

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke was surprised by Indian skipper Rohit Sharma's decision to skip the press conference on the eve of the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney. With India trailing 1-2 in the best-of-five series, head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the press conference a day before the Sydney Test, raising questions about Rohit's place in the side.

The skipper was then rested for the match and the decision was later clarified by Rohit himself in an interview with Star Sports on Day 2 as one he took with his poor batting form in mind. He also confirmed that it was not the last we would see of him in Test cricket, putting an end to speculations about the veteran batter retiring from the long format.

Speaking about Rohit's decision and his future in the Around the Wicket podcast, Clarke said:

"Rohit spoke very well ( interview with Star Sports). But i am little confused why he didn't front the press conference like captain normally does the day before the Test and say exactly what he said on Star. I don't know why the coach went instead. Maybe they were trying to keep it a secret until the toss of the coin."

He added:

"I think there are a lot more questions than answers throughout that whole last Test match in regards to India's behind closed doors, inside the change room. A lot of unknowns like I am still unsure why Rohit stood down for a Test match. Does that mean he's retired or he's not going to play Test cricket again?"

Rohit missed the series opener due to the birth of his second child but played the next three outings. However, he endured dismal showings with the bat, finishing with only 31 runs in five innings at an average of 6.20.

India ultimately lost the series 1-3 to surrender the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia for the first time since 2014/15.

"Is he going to go back and play first-class cricket to make runs?" - Michael Clarke

Rohit's poor Test form has left his place in the Indian side in question [ Source: Getty]

Michael Clarke questioned Rohit Sharma's path back into the Test side after his exclusion in the final Test of the Australian series in Sydney.

The 37-year-old has been in woeful form since September 2024, averaging under 11 in 15 Test innings with a lone half-century.

"India's next series is five Tests against England in England. So conditions are going to be tough for batting there. Is he going to go back and play first-class cricket to make runs? Are they going to judge Champions Trophy and ODI cricket to get him back to the team?," questioned Clarke.

He added:

"I am unsure about a lot of things in and around Rohit's decision. Great decision that he didn't think he was good enough to play but what does it actually mean for Rohit Sharma - Indian Test captain moving forward?"

Rohit's captaincy has also been sub-par with India losing five out of its last six Tests under him. Their next red-ball assignment will be the five-Test series in England, starting in June.