“Was very surprised when I heard the term ‘opting out’” - Legendary captain on Rohit Sharma’s absence from BGT 2024-25 5th Test

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting was surprised to read that Rohit Sharma 'opted' out of the ongoing fifth and final Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Sydney. Ponting opined that Rohit opting out of such a crucial game was an interesting decision.

A report from Indian Express on Thursday, January 2, claimed that Rohit had communicated to coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar that he was sitting out the Sydney Test. Jasprit Bumrah, who is captaining the side, claimed during the toss that the veteran had "opted to rest," after a sub-par tour with the bat.

Speaking on ICC Review about Rohit's exclusion, here's what Ponting said:

"I was very surprised when I heard the term ‘opting out’ coming into such an important game. We know he's been a great stalwart for Indian cricket over a long period of time. So the way that they've actually worded it, you can only take it on face value. We've got to believe what we're hearing coming out of the Indian camp, but being such a big game, knowing that they have to win this one to retain the trophy, it was an interesting time for one of their more experienced players to opt out."

Rohit was under intense scrutiny after the Boxing Day Test for registering single-figure scores in both innings. His highest score in the series was 10 and he had last made a fifty in the home series against New Zealand, which the Men in Blue lost 3-0. His captaincy was under the scanner as well.

"You'd think it's probably a long way back for Rohit Sharma now" - Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting. (Image Credits: Getty)

With India not slated to play Tests until at least June, Ponting reckoned it would be incredibly difficult for Rohit Sharma to return to the Test side. He said:

"You'd think it's probably a long way back for Rohit Sharma now in this format of the game. India don't play a Test match, I believe, until the middle or late June, which is a long way away when you're sort of coming to the back end of your career. I think he's been a terrific player for India so with those sort of guys, you wish them all the best and hope to see them back out there again, but as I said, I think it will be a long - and probably difficult road - back for him."

India, who opted to bat first on Day 1 against Australia in Sydney, were bowled out for 185. In reply, the hosts were 9/1 after three overs at stumps.