Mohammad Kaif Slams Team Management Over Rohit Sharma’s Exclusion

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif expressed his disagreement with the team management and selectors for “resting” captain Rohit Sharma during the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). As Jasprit Bumrah led the team at the toss, he announced that Rohit Sharma wouldn’t be part of the playing XI, sparking debates in the cricketing world.

Kaif took to social media to condemn the decision, stating:
“Rohit Sharma is not an ordinary captain to be rested or dropped. Whoever made this decision, whether it’s Gautam Gambhir or the selectors, has disrespected a leader who built this team. Rohit backed young players, won the T20 World Cup six months ago, and brought joy to millions. You cannot drop him.”

Rohit has struggled in the ongoing series, scoring just 31 runs across three Tests. However, Kaif argued that low scores were not exclusive to him. He pointed out that Virat Kohli, too, has been inconsistent, despite a century in Perth, and even players like Usman Khawaja have found it tough on seaming tracks.

“In my opinion, you don’t drop the captain, especially on a fast, bouncy SCG pitch. Rohit Sharma should’ve opened with Yashasvi Jaiswal and led India to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy,” Kaif added.

Rohit Sharma, who missed the series opener in Perth due to the birth of his second child, may have played his last Test, according to reports. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar are reportedly planning for a future without him in the longest format.

This decision has sparked widespread debate, with former cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri questioning the move. As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy hangs in the balance, the absence of Rohit Sharma continues to dominate headlines.

Read More At Rohit Sharma Dropped? Gambhir, Bumrah in Intense Discussion Ahead of Sydney Test