Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma is reportedly considering retirement from Test cricket following the final match of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney, scheduled for early 2025. According to a report by The Times of India, the decision hinges on whether India can secure a spot in the 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final, a prospect that now appears slim.

The report suggests that Rohit, 37, has made up his mind to step away from the longest format of the game, particularly if India fails to qualify for the WTC Final. The seasoned opener is believed to be contemplating discussions with selectors to allow him to play in the Final should India make it. However, the Sydney Test is widely expected to mark his last appearance in Test cricket.

The rumors of Rohit’s potential retirement come on the heels of India’s crushing 184-run defeat to Australia in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The loss continues India’s winless streak under Rohit’s captaincy, now extending to six Tests, including five losses and one draw.

The team’s performance in the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been underwhelming. Despite securing a win in the first Test in Perth under stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, India faltered in Adelaide and Melbourne, with rain salvaging a draw in Brisbane. The Melbourne defeat, characterized by a feeble batting collapse while chasing 340 runs on a flat pitch, underscored the team’s struggles. India fielded a batting-heavy lineup with three all-rounders but managed only two double-digit scores in the final innings.

For Rohit Sharma, the series has been particularly challenging. In five innings across three matches, he has scored a meager 31 runs, with a highest score of nine. His performance has been overshadowed even by Bumrah, who has claimed 30 wickets in the series.

India’s path to the WTC Final is now precarious. The team must win the Sydney Test and hope Australia fail to secure victories in their subsequent two matches in Sri Lanka. Conversely, Australia needs just one win from their next three games to confirm their place in the Final.

Rohit’s Test career, spanning over a decade, has been marked by flashes of brilliance, particularly in home conditions. However, his tenure as captain has faced significant challenges, with critics questioning his leadership amid India’s recent slump in performance. If the Sydney Test indeed becomes Rohit’s swan song in Test cricket, it will close a chapter of mixed fortunes for the prolific