Irfan Pathan Discloses Shocking Reason for Rohit Sharma’s Sydney Test Absence

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan recently opened up about the challenges faced by Rohit Sharma during the second half of 2024, shedding light on the reasons behind his absence from the Sydney Test. According to Pathan, Rohit’s status as the team captain played a crucial role in keeping him in the Test squad despite his struggles. Recalling the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Pathan highlighted Rohit’s poor performance during the series. Over three matches, Rohit managed a paltry average of just 6.20, which led to him being dropped from the final Test in Sydney. Pathan emphasized that such a low average in Test cricket would make it difficult for any player to maintain a place in the side if they were not the captain.

Irfan Pathan praised Rohit’s exceptional abilities in the shorter formats, stating that the opener continues to bat brilliantly for India in ODIs and T20s, where his consistency and flair remain unmatched. However, Pathan pointed out that Rohit’s performances in the Test arena have often been disappointing, and last year’s form was a clear example. “If we talk about last year, his average was 6, and after such a performance, it would have been difficult to make a place in the team. That’s why we said that if he was not the captain, he would not have been a part of the team,” Pathan said. His statement underlines the importance of leadership roles in cricket, especially when a senior player is struggling with form.

Rohit Sharma himself acknowledged the situation during an interview with Irfan Pathan and Jatin Sapru on January 5, 2025. He admitted that his runs were not coming and that he was clearly out of form during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. “Simply put, runs were not coming from my bat, I was not in form. The team needed players in form at that time. Many players in our batting were out of form, and you cannot play so many out-of-form players in the team together. Thinking this, I decided to sit out. It was difficult, but it was necessary for the team,” Rohit explained. His candid words provide insight into the mental and professional challenges that top-level cricketers face when juggling personal form, team requirements, and leadership responsibilities.

Pathan also addressed the criticism suggesting that he supported Rohit too much in his commentary. He clarified that his respect for Rohit, as well as other guests on his show, should not be misinterpreted as favoritism. “People say that I supported Rohit too much, so when someone comes as a guest on your show, you will not misbehave with him. We only respected our guest,” he said. However, Pathan reaffirmed his professional opinion, maintaining that while Rohit is a talented cricketer, his Test form last year would not have justified his place in the team had he not been captain.

Pathan concluded by emphasizing that Rohit should continue to fight for his place and improve his performances, especially in the longer format. “We said that Rohit should fight, but if he was not the captain, he would not have been in the team, and that is true,” Pathan said. His remarks underscore the delicate balance between leadership, form, and team selection in cricket. While Rohit remains a key figure in Indian cricket, Pathan’s insights highlight the reality that even seasoned players must consistently perform to secure their spot, and leadership roles can sometimes shield players during challenging phases.

This candid discussion by Irfan Pathan offers fans and cricket enthusiasts a deeper understanding of the pressures faced by top players like Rohit Sharma, particularly in Test cricket, where consistency is vital. It also highlights how a captaincy role can provide a temporary buffer against poor form, allowing a player to focus on regaining confidence and contributing to the team’s success across formats.