Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant addressed Rohit Sharma’s controversial decision to “rest himself” from the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday, January 3. Pant provided a different perspective than stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, suggesting the decision was emotionally charged for the team. While acknowledging Rohit as a long-time leader, Pant clarified that some decisions are purely team management calls, and players aren’t always involved.
“Definitely, it was an emotional decision because he’s been captain for a long time. We see him as a leader of the team, but I think there are some decisions you’re not involved with. It’s a very management call, so I was not part of that conversation and can’t explain anything more,” Rishabh Pant stated during the post-Day 1 press conference.
Earlier, at the toss, Bumrah remarked that Rohit’s absence was his own choice. He emphasized the unity within the squad, explaining that Rohit’s resting showcased the team’s collective mindset and selflessness.
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“Our captain opted to rest for this match, and that highlights how we prioritize what’s best for the team,” Jasprit Bumrah said. Rohit’s replacement in the playing XI was Shubman Gill, while injured Akash Deep made way for Prasidh Krishna.
On the field, Pant stood out as India’s top scorer in the first innings, managing 40 runs off 98 balls. Reflecting on his knock, he admitted that the challenging pitch demanded a cautious approach. “The wicket was doing too much. We knew losing another wicket here could lead to a collapse. So, I played with restraint,” Rishabh Pant explained.
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India’s batting lineup faltered, folding for 185. Scott Boland was the star for Australia, claiming 4 wickets, including Jaiswal (10), Kohli (17), Pant (40), and Nitish Reddy (0). Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins contributed with 3 and 2 wickets, respectively. The visitors found some respite as Bumrah dismissed Usman Khawaja for just 3 runs, but the day’s events left India on the back foot.
