"What a superstar" - Bollywood star hails Rohit Sharma over decision to opt out of 5th BGT 2024-25 Test

India captain Rohit Sharma’s decision to come out in the media and clarify things after his absence from the playing XI in the fifth and final Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test has impressed many, including Bollywood actors. Vidya Balan, a notable actress, lauded the 37-year-old batter, calling him a superstar after he stood down to ensure India had the best chance possible to level the five-game series.

Balan wrote on X:

“Rohit Sharma, what a SUPERSTAR!! To take a pause & catch your breath requires courage … More power to you … Respect !!”

Rohit, who managed just 31 runs in five innings of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, told Star Sports on Saturday, January 4:

“This is not a decision to retire, nor am I stepping away from the game. I've stood down for this match because I wasn't scoring runs with the bat at the moment."

“I am not in form and it’s an important game. We need an in-form player. Our batting order isn’t in form at the moment. So out-of-form players can’t carry the team at the moment. So this was the simple thing in my mind. It was my understanding that I should tell the coach and the selector and they backed my call,” he added.

Rohit Sharma has managed just 164 runs in his last 15 Test innings at an underwhelming average of 10.93, including a solitary half-century.

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“They can’t decide my future” – Rohit Sharma hits back at experts and journalists

Rohit Sharma further hit back at journalists and experts amid reports that he has played his last Test in Melbourne. He said during the same interaction:

“There is no guarantee runs won't come five or two months down the line. I have seen a lot in cricket that life changes every second, every minute, every day. I have confidence in me that things can change, but at the same time I have to be realistic as well. So, life won't change by what people with a mic, pen or laptop write or say.”

"They can't decide when we should retire, when we should sit out, when we should captain. I am a sensible man, mature man, father of two kids. So, I know what I need in life,” he added.

Overall, Rohit Sharma has 4,301 runs in 67 Tests at an average of 40.58, including 12 tons and 18 half-centuries. He averages 30.98 in away games, scoring 1766 runs in 33 Tests, comprising two centuries and 10 fifties.

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