“The selectors must make the decision for him” - Former South Africa batter’s massive statement on Rohit Sharma before BGT 2024-25 5th Test

Former South African batter Daryll Cullinan believes Indian skipper Rohit Sharma should call time on his Test career, failing which the selectors must drop him, amid his dismal recent form. Rohit has endured a massive struggle with the bat in the ongoing Australian Test series, averaging 6.20 with his highest score being 10 in five innings.

His poor form stretches to the start of India's home series against Bangladesh, since which he averages under 11 in 15 innings with a lone half-century. Rohit's lean run has led to several questions asked about his place in the Indian Test side.

The visitors also trail the five-match series 1-2 with the final Test to be played in Sydney, starting January 3.

Speaking to the Hindustan Times ahead of the Sydney Test, Cullinan said about Rohit's struggles:

"He arrived in Australia under-prepared and never took on the responsibility up front. This mentally was an admission of his concerns. I think he is comfortable playing his cricket in India and moving permanently to white ball cricket. The right thing and wise thing to do now. Rohit should call time. If he doesn't, selectors must make the decision for him."

India won the series opener in Perth in Rohit's absence with Jasprit Bumrah leading the side. His return has also disrupted the batting order, with the skipper first slotting in at No.6 for the Adelaide and Brisbane outings before opening the batting in the most recent Melbourne Test.

"Rohit has never been comfortable against pace and bounce" - Daryll Cullinan

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

Daryll Cullinan feels Rohit Sharma has always been indecisive with his footwork against pace and bounce, resulting in his struggles away from home.

Despite boasting an overall Test average of over 40, the veteran batter averages 24.38 and 16.63 in Australia and South Africa. Rohit averages under 31 in 33 away Tests with only two centuries.

"Rohit has never been comfortable against pace and bounce. I saw it in South Africa, where he plays from the crease. The short ball is on his mind. The result is he doesn't get forward neither back properly. He gets away with it in India, where there is less bounce, and the pitches are slower," said Cullinan.

Meanwhile, Rohit's captaincy has also come under scrutiny, with India losing five out of its last six Tests under his leadership.

They Sydney Test is a must-win for them to avoid a series defeat and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.