'Despite personal challenges, he prioritises team success' - Suresh Raina praises Rohit Sharma's decision to opt out of Sydney Test

The form of the senior players has been a huge concern in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the Indian team as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failed to impress with the bat in the ongoing five-match series. This has also brought in the debate of them getting dropped from the Test squad itself.

Rohit Sharma has had a lot of success as Indian skipper in international cricket and has an impressive record in all formats of the game. Recently, he dropped himself from the playing XI ahead of the New Year’s Test of Sydney as Jasprit Bumrah was chosen to lead the team in his place. This was a surprising call taken by the skipper who took his team to the finals in the WTC finals, 50-over World Cup, and won the last edition of the T20 World Cup. There are plenty of rumours surrounding this decision made by Rohit. Nevertheless, former India all-rounder Suresh Raina has supported this decision on social media and termed it to be an example of unwavering dedication to the team’s success.

"Rohit Sharma exemplifies leadership through honesty and selflessness. Despite personal challenges, he prioritises team success, stepping aside when necessary. His leadership in the current Test series reflects his unwavering dedication to India’s success. A true legend of the game," Raina tweeted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Rohit shuts down retirement rumours

This decision has also led to retirement rumours of Rohit Sharma, however, he has straight away shut them down saying that the decision was made due to his inability to perform with the bat this season.

“As I told you, this decision is not a retirement decision, nor am I stepping aside from the game—there is no such decision. I am out of the game because bat nahi chal raha hai (I am not having a great time with the bat)," Rohit said as quoted by The Times of India.