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‘Rohit Deserved More Respect…’ Sidhu Baffled With Captain’s Absence From SCG Test

Aakash Saini∙ Updated: Jan 3 2025, 5:16 PM

Rohit Sharma and Navjot Singh Sidhu [Source: AP Photos, @sherryontopp/x]Rohit Sharma and Navjot Singh Sidhu [Source: AP Photos, @sherryontopp/x]

Navjot Singh Sidhu has come out in defense of Rohit Sharma after the latter ‘opted’ himself out of India’s playing XI for the SCG Test against Australia. Under the leadership of Sharma, Team India crashed to two huge defeats at the Adelaide Oval and at the MCG, and escaped with a rain-induced draw at the Gabba in mid-December.

Moreover, the legendary opener also failed to inspire his troops with the bat, considering he managed to fetch just 31 runs from five innings at a dismal average of 6.20.

Navjot Singh Sidhu bats for ousted Rohit Sharma

On January 3, i.e., on Day 1 of the SCG Test between India and Australia, former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu took to X and questioned the exclusion of captain Rohit Sharma from the visitor’s playing XI. Sidhu claimed that a captain of the team should never be expelled nor should be given an option to opt out as it can “send wrong signals” to the opposition team.

Moreover, the former cricketer also added that a player like Rohit Sharma “deserved more respect” than this treatment as the seasoned campaigner “built this team” and “prioritized younger talents” throughout his leadership journey.

Notably, under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, Team India also crashed to a 0-3 series whitewash at home against New Zealand back in October-November. While the legendary Indian cricketer missed the series-opening Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium over family commitments, the visitors secured a historic 295-run victory under the interim leadership of premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

Bumrah once again filled in for Sharma after the latter opted himself out of India’s playing XI for the SCG Test. The match marks a must-win one for the visitors in a bid to level the five-match series, and to secure a spot in the 2025 WTC final.