Rohit Sharma’s future in Test cricket has come under scrutiny after the Indian opener was left out of the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney. Officially, Rohit "opted to rest" from the game, but this decision has raised questions about his long-term role in the format. Sunil Gavaskar, one of India's cricketing legends, speculated that this might signal the end of Rohit's Test career, suggesting that the selection committee may look to younger players who can lead the team in future World Test Championship cycles.

Rohit’s recent performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy were below expectations, scoring only 31 runs in five innings. After missing the first Test due to personal reasons, he batted in the middle order in the second and third Tests before returning to open in the fourth Test, where he failed to make a significant impact. With a disappointing year in 2024, where he averaged just 24.76 in 14 matches, it seems that his Test career may be nearing its end.

Despite his immense success in limited-overs cricket, Rohit’s Test career has had a rocky path. After struggling in the middle order, his career found a second wind when he began opening in 2019. However, his performances have been inconsistent, especially in 2024, making his future in the format uncertain.

The speculation surrounding his retirement has intensified following India’s loss in the fourth Test and his omission from the final game of the series. Rohit's struggles in the traditional format, combined with his stellar T20I achievements, may mark the beginning of a shift in his role within the Indian cricket team.