Cricket fans the world over witnessed an emotional moment as Australian batting legend Steve Smith announced his retirement from ODI cricket because of Australia's Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal loss against India in Dubai. A touching on-field exchange between Virat Kohli and Smith, amid the heartbreaking defeat, has gone viral, evoking admiration and speculation across social media.

A Gesture That Said It All
The moment that caught the attention of the internet happened right after the match, when "Kohli and Smith were seen having a little talk before sharing an emotional hug". Social media users believe that it was at this moment that Smith told Kohli he would be retiring. In the viral video, Kohli appears to ask Smith whether it was his last ODI match, to which the Australian great gives a subtle nod in confirmation.

"Smith Confirms ODI Retirement"
Smith formally announced his ODI retirement, saying that it is the right time for him to step aside in assurance that Australia is building towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.

"It has been a great ride, and I has loved every minute of it," said Smith in a media release to Cricket Australia. "Some of the most memorable moments come from winning two World Cups for sure and by sharing the journey with many amazing teammates".

Smith was a key member of Australia's winning squads in 2015 and 2023 and was subsequently named Australia's Men's ODI Player of the Year in 2015 and 2021. He had taken over as ODI captain in 2015, leading the team in his final game in an honorary capacity for his tall companion, Pat Cummins, who was injured.

"I think now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup, so it feels like the right time to make way," Smith added. 

Although he has retired from ODIs, the 35-year-old will continue to play Test and T20 cricket, with the attention turning toward the World Test Championship Final in June. "I honestly believe that I still have a lot to contribute in this format," he insisted, while also giving high priority to the longest version of the game.

Fans React to the Emotional Moment
Smith's announcement and the exchange he had with Kohli have drawn a torrent of admiration from across the cricketing fraternity.

Fans took to social media, praising Kohli's sportsmanship and Smith's legendary career. One fan wrote, ''This is what cricket is all about: rivalry on the field but pure respect off it!'' Another tweeted, "Two legends. One unforgettable moment. Cricket won today".

Kohli-Smith camaraderie has remained one of the most talked-about aspects of modern cricket, where their rivalry flourished through multiple ICC tournaments and iconic Border-Gavaskar Trophy battles; despite the intensity of their tussles, the two have shown genuine respect for each other time and again.

Virat Kohli's On-Field Gesture For 'Retiring' Steve Smith Sets Internet On Fire - Watchhttps://t.co/w2pcTL5w1r pic.twitter.com/8jyx7RWoiu

— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) March 6, 2025

Also Read: Gautam Gambhir Breaks Silence on Rohit Sharma Retirement Rumors: A Clash of Perspectives or a Unified Vision?

The End of an Era
With Smith's exit from ODIs marking Australia as an end to an era, allied with the forward flow of cricket. Brilliant stylist; superiority in composure; steadfast will have been an edifice on which Australia built white-ball legitimacy for an uninterrupted stretch that extended more than a decade.

While Kohli's gesture makes sure Smith is given the fitting send-off he so richly deserves, it further brings into view the abiding respect two of the best players in this cricket world hold for each other.

India marched into the ICC Champions Trophy final, thanks to a masterful innings by Virat Kohli, who guided the team with a composed 84-run knock in their chase of 265 against Australia on Tuesday. After a shaky start at 43/2, Kohli’s partnership with Shreyas Iyer (45) steadied the innings and paved the way for a comfortable victory.

Kohli’s Match-Winning Performance

Kohli played a calculated innings, looking for strike rotation and partnerships more than big shots. He was short of a century, caught at long-on while trying to hit a six, but his effort was important in making India's chase smooth.

In the post-match press conference, Kohli was pleased with his strategy: "I think my timing and composure at the crease were key. I wasn't desperate; I was happy knocking ones around. When you take pride in hitting those singles into the gaps, you know you're playing well. That's what helped me settle the nerves and move towards the target."

Virat Kohli said - "Milestones all of that don't matter to me anymore. It's just about stepping out and hopefully doing the job for my team and winning matches for my team. That's most important to me". pic.twitter.com/1znhpeHi04

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) March 4, 2025

Playing According to Conditions

Kohli underlined the need to adjust according to conditions, much like he had done in the last match against Pakistan.

"It was just like the Pakistan game. I had scored only 7 boundaries on the way to 100. It's a matter of understanding the conditions and playing according to that. Rotating the strike is important, particularly on this wicket, and my try was to string enough partnerships together," he elucidated.

ALSO SEE:  Watch: Semi-final hero Virat Kohli excitedly celebrating victory with team

Eye on Team's Success Over Individual Milestones

When quizzed about missing a century, Kohli brushed it aside, highlighting team success over individual success.

"Whether I score a hundred or not, the most important thing is that the team wins. If we go back to a happy dressing room, that's all that matters. I have never played for milestones; I take pride in finishing games for my team," he said.

Key to Chasing Successfully

Kohli also revealed some tactics of his while pursuing a target, emphasizing partnerships and remaining calm under pressure.

In big matches like semis and finals, the most important thing is managing pressure. When you have wickets in hand, the pressure begins to mount on the other team. As long as we have six or seven wickets remaining, even requiring six runs an over is not a big issue. Two settled batsmen can turn the match," he further said.

With this victory, India now looks ahead to the final, expecting another brilliant show by Kohli and the team as they pursue ICC honors.

On this day, 7 January 2019, Indian cricket created history. For the first time in 71 years of traveling to Australia and playing Test series, India won a series on Australian soil. This victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2018-19 was not just any win—it was a moment of pride for every Indian cricket fan.

Under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, India defeated Australia 2-1 in the 4-match Test series. Virat Kohli, emotional in the post-match interview, said, “This win is bigger than the 2011 World Cup victory.” He was young during the World Cup win, but this time he truly understood the value of this achievement. It was India’s 13th tour of Australia, and finally, after 14 captains had tried and failed, Virat Kohli became the first Indian captain to lift a Test series trophy in Australia.

The series started with a thrilling win for India in the Adelaide Test, where they beat Australia by 31 runs. However, Australia bounced back in the second Test at Perth, defeating India by 146 runs. India made a strong comeback in the third Test at Melbourne, winning by 137 runs. The fourth and final Test in Sydney could have ended in another victory for India, as they enforced a follow-on on Australia. However, rain washed out play on Day 5, and the match ended in a draw.

Read Also: Virat Kohli’s Aggression That Backfires on Team India

Despite the rain, India won the series 2-1 and became the first Asian team to win a Test series on Australian soil.

CELEBRATIONS FROM TEAM HOTEL AFTER THE SERIES WIN IN AUSTRALIA IN 2019. 😍🇮🇳pic.twitter.com/Y87gb2l3FH

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 7, 2025

THE CELEBRATIONS FROM VIRAT KOHLI AND HIS BOYS AFTER SCRIPTING HISTORY. ❤️pic.twitter.com/2uMkU3vjxl

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 7, 2025

Cheteshwar Pujara was the hero with the bat. He scored 521 runs, including three centuries, and faced a record 1,258 balls in the series, showing remarkable patience and skill. His average was close to 75. Rishabh Pant also played well, scoring 350 runs, including a brilliant century. Virat Kohli contributed 282 runs, including one century, to make it a team effort.

In bowling, Jasprit Bumrah was the standout performer. He took 21 wickets at an incredible average of 17. He was well supported by Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma, who took crucial wickets throughout the series.

A Series That Changed History

This victory in 2019 was just the beginning of India’s dominance in Test cricket. India went on to win the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy as well, defeating Australia 2-1 again, despite facing injuries and challenges.

While the recently concluded 2024-25 BGT ended in a 3-1 loss for India, no one can forget the significance of that first historic win in 2018-19. It was a moment that changed the perception of Indian cricket forever.

The fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) had an unexpected twist. Rohit Sharma, India’s regular captain, decided not to play in this match. Jasprit Bumrah was named captain for the game. But on Day 2, while bowling during Australia’s first innings, Bumrah had back pain. He left the field for scans, and doctors found that he had back spasms.

With Bumrah unable to continue, Virat Kohli took charge as captain for the rest of Day 2 and Day 3. Kohli, known for his energy and strong personality, brought life to the game. He gave fans a memorable moment on Day 3. In the 10th over of Australia’s innings, Prasidh Krishna dismissed Steven Smith. Kohli celebrated the wicket in his usual fiery style, showing his passion for the game.

Read Also: Virat Kohli’s Aggression That Backfires on Team India

However, the Australian crowd at the SCG didn’t like this. They tried to mock Kohli after his celebration. In reply, Kohli gave them a bold and cheeky response—he pointed to his empty pockets and tugged at his trousers. This action reminded everyone of the "Sandpaper Gate" scandal in 2018. During that incident, Australian players were caught tampering with the ball using sandpaper hidden in their pockets and undergarments. Kohli’s reaction seemed to be a playful reminder of this past controversy.

"What is that about?"#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/HwNZXhKW1S

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 5, 2025

Even with Kohli’s spirited leadership, India struggled in the series. Australia won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 with a 3-1 victory. This ended India’s winning streak in the series that had started under Kohli’s captaincy in 2017-18. Kohli had led India to a historic victory back then, but this time the results didn’t go in his favor.

For Kohli, this series was not a good one with the bat. He scored only one century and couldn’t play big innings like he used to. Fans and cricket experts criticized him for his poor performances throughout the series. While many admitted that he was not in his peak form, some loyal fans refused to give up on him and believed he could bounce back stronger.

Read Also: Virat Kohli Aspires to Be Interim Test Captain for Transition Phase and Desires to Play Till 2027

Still, Kohli’s energy and passion stood out. His response to the SCG crowd showed his fearless attitude and strong character. Despite his struggles with form, Kohli’s aura remained the same.

Hosts Australia finally end their decade-long wait to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, as they lifted the 2024-25 trophy after beating the visitors by six wickets in the Sydney Test. The baggy greens have won the five-match home Test series by 3-1.

Starting day three at 142/6, the visitors India were bundled out for only 157 runs, setting the target of 162 runs. Overnight batters Ravindra Jadeja (13) and Washington Sundar (12) were dismissed cheaply. Although the stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah batted and scored a duck, he wasn't available for bowling.  

See Also: Rishabh Pant shatters fastest Test fifty record by visitors in Australia

Scott Boland recorded his first 10-wicket haul

Scott Boland and Pat Cummins both picked two wickets each on the third day to bundle out the visitors for a cheap third innings total. Boland recorded his second Test fifer and finished with bowling figures of 16.5-5-45-6. By claiming six wickets in the third innings, Boland recorded his maiden Test ten-wicket haul, as the right-arm fast bowler also took four wickets in the first innings. Meanwhile, the Aussie skipper Cummins completed the innings with the bowling figures of 15-4-44-3, as he became the first bowler to record 200 wickets in the ICC World Test Championship history. 

Indian pacers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna bowled hard but the situation became tougher without Bumrah. Initially, Australia were struggling at 58/3, where Marnus Labuschagne (6) and Steven Smith (4) were dismissed cheaply after the opener Sam Konstas (22), as Krishna took all those three wickets. 

Usman Khawaja played important role before Head-Webster's safe guidence

Experienced opener Usman Khawaja, who struggled in the entire series, controlled the hosts innings in the tricky period and guided to the safe zone with Travis Head. Khawaja scored 41 off 45 balls with the help of four fours before Mohammed Siraj dismissed him to complete his 100th Test wicket. While the experienced opener was out, the hosts were still 58 runs away from the target. 

Once again the Test debutant Beau Webster impressed with the bat as he had an unbroken 58-run partnership for the fifth wicket to secure the match as well as the series. While Head was not out for 34 runs, Webster scored 39 not out. 

Scott Boland won the Player of the Match award, while the leading wicket-taker of the series, Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah won the Player of the Series award for picking up 32 wickets. After winning all the previous four Border-Gavaskar Trophies, India ultimately lost the trophy. Australia previously won the trophy in the 2014-15 season at home.  

While India won the five-match Test series opener by 295 runs in Perth under the leadership of Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma started his leadership in the Test series from the second Test. Australia won the only day-night pink-ball Test match of the series at Adelaide Oval by 10 wickets, while the Brisbane Test had a draw result due to massive rain disturbance. Australia won the fourth Test in Melbourne by 184 runs and won the Test series after a six-wicket win against Bumrah-led India in Sydney. 

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia is set for an exciting finale. The iconic Sydney Cricket Ground is hosting the last game of the five-match Test series, where we are experiencing a low-scoring contest with a pace-bowling dominance.

The hosts Australia are leading the Test series by 2-1, as they can win the series and the trophy by only avoiding a defeat in the Test series finale. Australia last time won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the 2014-15 season at home. 

Meanwhile, it is the must-win game for India to end this overseas tour with a 2-2 scoreline and retain the trophy, which they won the previous four times (twice in Australia and twice in India). 

2025 Sydney Test, Australia vs India: 26 wickets in first two days

The first two days of the 2025 Sydney Test experienced very unusual scenes as the pace bowlers from both sides completely dominated. While the opening day of the Test match experienced 11 wickets falling, the second day experienced another 15 dismissals. 

See Also: Rishabh Pant shatters fastest Test fifty record by visitors in Australia

2025 Sydney Test, Australia vs India: Both teams scored 180+ totals in first innings

After the Indian stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah chose to bat first in the ongoing Sydney Test, the visitors scored 185 runs, while the hosts Australia replied with 181 runs. 

Starting their second innings with a four-run lead, India scored 141/6 at the stumps on the second day of the Test match with a lead of 145 runs. Surely, we are going to see a possible low-scoring thriller chase or defense in the unforgettable Test series finale. 

Here are some historic fourth innings stats in the Sydney Test history. 

Highest fourth innings target set: 735 by Australia vs West Indies in 1969 (Australia won by 382 runs)

Highest fourth innings target set with a draw result: 460 by Australia vs England in 1983 (England scored 314/7)

Highest fourth innings target successfully chased: 287 by Australia vs South Africa in 2006 (Australia won by eight wickets)

Lowest fourth innings target successfully defended: 111 by England vs Australia in 1887 (England won by 13 runs)

Fourth innings target successfully chases:

200 or more runs: 6 out of 49 times (11 draws)

175-199 runs: 3 out of 5 times (0 draws)

150-174 runs: 4 out of 8 times (2 draws)

149 or lesser runs: 20 out of 22 times (0 draws)

Since the 2000s

Lowest fourth innings target successfully defended: 176 by Australia vs Pakistan in 2010 (Australia won by 36 runs)

Highest fourth innings target successfully chased: 287 by Australia vs South Africa in 2006 (Australia won by eight wickets)

Fourth innings target successfully chases:

200 or more runs: 1 out of 12 times (4 draws)

199 or lesser runs: 7 out of 8 times (0 draws)

Since 2010s

Lowest fourth innings target successfully defended: 176 by Australia vs Pakistan in 2010 (Australia won by 36 runs)

Highest fourth innings target successfully chased: 141 by Australia vs Sri Lanka in 2013 (Australia won by five wickets)

Fourth innings target chases successfully:

200 or more runs: 0 out of 6 times (3 draws)

199 or lesser runs: 2 out of 3 times (0 draws)

Finally, the popular Rishabh Pant show came, and that too at the most important time. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter’s fiery batting put the visitors in a good challenging position in the Sydney Test. 

The Sydney Test is the series decider of the thrilling five-match Test series Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where the visitors India are trailing by 2-1. It is a must-win game for India to retain the Trophy by ending the Test series 2-2 and staying in contention for the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship Final. 

Under the leadership of Jasprit Bumrah in the Sydney Test, India won the toss and chose to bat first. While India scored 185 runs in the first innings, Australia were all out for 181 runs in their first innings. 

Leading by four runs before the beginning of their second innings, Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul provided a positive start, especially Jaiswal who hit four fours to the Aussie left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc in the first over of the innings. After the 42-run opening partnership was broken, India were struggling at 59/3 when Virat Kohli was caught out again at the slip and Rishabh Pant joined the crease.

Also Watch: Rohit Sharma says "Ye koi retirement ka decision nahi hai"

Rishabh Pant started with an over-boundary

Fearless Pant started his innings with a sixer against the dangerous-looking Aussie fast bowler Scott Boland. It was just a start as the left-handed batter completed a 29-ball half-century, the second fastest Test fifty by an Indian, and the fastest Test half-century by a visiting batter in Australia.

Pant also holds the record for the fastest Test fifty by an Indian with a 28-ball half-century against Sri Lanka during the 2022 Bengaluru Test. 

Pant broke an almost 50-year-old record

Meanwhile, West Indies cricketer Roy Fredericks was the previous record holder for the fastest Test half-century by a visiting batter in Australia. During the 1975 Perth Test, the Caribbean cricketer recorded a 33-ball fifty against the hosts. 

Pant scored 61 off just 33 balls to shift the Indian total quickly toward setting a challenging and uncomfortable fourth innings target for the hosts. After playing a powerful knock, where the left-handed batter smashed six fours and four sixes, the Aussie skipper Pat Cummins dismissed him. India ended the second day of the Test match at 141/6 with a lead of 145 runs. 

Two back-to-back sixes to Starc

During the latest innings, which is one of his memorable batting performances in Test cricket, Pant smashed three consecutive fours to the Test debutant Beau Webster (18th over of the innings) and two successive sixes to Starc (22nd over of the innings).

Indian Test captain Rohit Sharma has confirmed that his decision to drop himself from the Sydney Test isn't going to change anything in the Indian Test team soon. He is ready to take next challenges as an Indian Test captain. 

During the lunch break of the second day of the Sydney Test, the regular Indian Test captain Rohit Sharma clarified his decision to not play the Sydney Test. Due to his poor form with the bat, he chose to drop himself for the Sydney Test. The visitors India are trailing this five-match Test series, Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, by 2-1 before the beginning of the last Test at the Syndey Cricket Ground. 

So, the Sydney Test is a must-win game for India to not only end the Test series by retaining the trophy with a 2-2 scoreline but also to stay in contention for the ICC World Test Championship Final of the ongoing cycle (2023-2025). In the absence of the regular Test captain Rohit Sharma, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah is leading the Indian team in the Sydney Test.  

In the last 15 Test innings, captain Rohit Sharma scored only 164 runs with an average of 10.93, including one half-century and another 20+ innings. In the ongoing Australia tour, the right-handed batter scored 6, 3, 10, 9, and 3 runs. 

See Also: Jasprit Bumrah goes hospital for scan

Mein itne dur se aaya hoon yahaan pe mein bahar baithe mein thodi aaya hoon: Rohit Sharma

Rohit said to the broadcaster during the lunch break of the Sydney Test, "Mein itne dur se aaya hoon yahaan pe mein bahar baithe mein thodi aaya hoon ya match nahi khelane thodi aaya hoon mere ko match khelana hai yaar aur mere ko jitana hai team ko… aur jo pahle din jab aaya tha dressing room mein 2007 mein tab se leke yahi hai match jitana hai match team ko jitana hai. (I have come from so far away here not to have come a little bit of sitting outside or not playing the match, I have to play the match, man, and I have to win for the team... Since I joined the dressing room on the first day in 2007, we need to win the match, team has to win)" 

Ye decision lena difficult that: Rohit Sharma

The Indian Test captain continued, "Kabhi kabhi aapko samajhana padega ki team ki zarurat kya hai. Agar team ko agar aap aage nahi rakhte toh koi fayada nahi… ki mere bat se run nahi ho rahe, form nahi hai. Out of form players zyada carry nahi kar sakte team mein. Ye decision lena difficult tha, iss time pe team ko kya chaahiye tha bas. Ye thought ki paanch mahine ke baad kya hone vaala hai, chhe mahine ke baad kya kya hone vaala hai, I don't believe in that. (Sometimes you have to understand what the team needs. If you don't keep the team ahead, it's no use. I am not scoring, there is no form. Out-of-form players can't be carried much in the team. It was difficult to take this decision, but did what the team required at this time? The thought of what will happen after five months, after six months, I don't believe in that.) 

"Ki ye Jo decision hai, ye koi retirement ka decision nahi hai, naa koi mein hatane vaala hoon games se aisa koi decision nahi hai. (This decision isn’t for retirement, I am not stepping down from the game, nothing like this kind of decision)."

Team first, always! 🇮🇳

📹 EXCLUSIVE: @ImRo45 sets the record straight on his selfless gesture during the SCG Test. Watch his full interview at 12:30 PM only on Cricket Live! #AUSvINDOnStar 👉 5th Test, Day 2 | LIVE NOW | #BorderGavaskarTrophy #ToughestRivalry #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/uyQjHftg8u

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 4, 2025

After a day of many speculations around the Indian team leadership and senior cricketers' Test cricket future, Indian Test skipper Rohit Sharma has openly clarified his present status in Test cricket.

Trailing the series by 2-1, the five-match Test series finale at Sydney Cricket Ground experienced a surprise as the skipper Rohit Sharma chose to drop himself due to his recent poor form. Jasprit Bumrah, who also led the team in the Test series opener at Perth Stadium and India won that Test by 295 runs, has returned to the leadership role for the Sydney Test. 

I have stood down from this Test: Rohit Sharma

At the lunch break of the second day of the Sydney Test, the Indian Test captain Rohit Sharma cleared that he just stood down from the leadership role only in the ongoing Test match. 

Sharma started with, "I have stood down from this Test but I am not going anywhere."

The Indian Test captain added, “Like I told you this decision is not a retirement decision nor am I going to step aside from the game, there is no such decision. I am out of the game because my batting isn't working. There is no guarantee that the bat will not work after five months, there is no guarantee that the bat will not work after two months. We have seen a lot in cricket, every minute. every second, everyday life changes. So I have this belief in myself that things will change but at the same time you know I have to be realistic as well.”

Indian Test captain slammed for misinformation

Sharma also slammed the journalists for spreading rumors without any official information. He said, “Someone is sitting inside with a mic or a laptop or a pen, what he writes, what he says, our life does not change because of that. We have played this game for so many years, so they cannot decide when we should go or when we should not play or when we have to sit out or when we should captain. I am a sensible man, I am a mature man, I am a father of two kids, so I have a little bit of brain.”

This is Classic Rohit Sharma finish 😂pic.twitter.com/vkrgBnUFqB

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) January 4, 2025

Rohit Sharma - "Arey bhai kahi nahi ja raha main idhar hi hu" 🥹❤️ #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/e7lcY593Pz

— TEJASH 🚩 (@LoyleRohitFan) January 4, 2025

Before the Sydney Test, Indian captain Rohit Sharma took a brave decision to drop himself. However, everyone isn’t happy with the decision. The former Indian top-order batter has criticized the team management's decision and brought up the point to support his vision. 

The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 winning skipper Rohit Sharma has suddenly found himself under pressure since the home Test series against New Zealand. After losing that three-match home Test series by 3-0, India have lost the plot to qualify for the Final of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship. 

After losing the home Test series against New Zealand, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 became very crucial for India. It is the five-match Test series in Australia, where India started the series with a record-breaking 295-run win in Perth. Due to parental leave, Rohit Sharma wasn’t present for the first Test as Jasprit Bumrah led the Indian team for that game. 

See Also: Rohit Sharma's Test future revealed

Captain Rohit Sharma has a tough time in Test cricket

Rohit returned to the team during the first Test and played the leadership role after that Test match. While India lost the second Test by 10 wickets, which was a day-night pink ball Test at Adelaide Oval, the rain-dominated Brisbane Test had a draw result. Hosts Australia secured the Test series by winning the Melbourne Test by 184 runs. 

Now, India can only draw the Test series with a victory in the ongoing Test series finale at Sydney Cricket Ground. This win is also important for them to stay in contention for the third straight ICC World Test Championship Final.

While the skipper Rohit Sharma has struggled with his decisions in the recent Test matches, the right-handed batter has scored only 164 runs in 15 innings with an average of just 10.93. While he has tested himself both as an opener and a middle-order batter, he recorded only two 20+ scores out of the last 15 Test innings, including one half-century.

So, Rohit chose to drop himself for the Sydney Test as Jasprit Bumrah returned to the Test captaincy. After choosing to bat first, India were all out for 185 runs, and Australia scored 9/1 at the stumps of the opening day. 

It's a wrong decision: Navjot Singh Sidhu

Former Indian top-order batter Navjot Singh Sidhu is completely unhappy with the skipper Rohit Sharma’s decision to drop himself from the Sydney Test. Cricketer-turned-politician felt that either the player shouldn’t be the captain or he has to take complete responsibility for the team. He further added, “A captain never de-links from his ship, even if it is a sinking ship.” 

In his social media post, the former Indian cricketer added the examples of former Australian skipper Mark Taylor and the former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin. 

A Captain should never be dropped midstream nor given the option to opt out … sends wrong signals …. Have seen Captain s like Mark Taylor , Azharuddin etc persisted as captain for a year despite bad form …. @ImRo45 deserved more respect and faith from the management …… pic.twitter.com/OJcSF9r3fU

— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) January 3, 2025