Farhan Akhtar defends Rohit Sharma amid retirement rumours; praises his selflessness for team’s success

 

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Akhtar also praised Sharma’s batting skills. “Yes, this sport can be cruel, and you’d be hard pressed to come up with a cricketer who hasn’t gone through a lean period,” he said.

He went on to remind everyone that even the greatest players struggle at times, and fans often wish they’d take a break to regain their form. “But here’s a man, a captain no less, who’s voluntarily putting the team’s chances of victory ahead of his personal performance. Instead of receiving praise for his selflessness, he’s being torn down,” Akhtar wrote.

At the end of his long note, Akhtar expressed deep respect for his leadership: “@rohitsharma45 You’re a superstar. You know what you’re doing, and I know you won’t let the negativity get you down… but just want to say thank you for showing the world that you put team before individual. That’s what makes a great leader. See you back on the field soon.”

Rohit Sharma on his form

Sharma recently explained his decision to step down from the Test lineup, citing his lack of form, but firmly denied any thoughts of retirement. Despite being dropped for the crucial Sydney Test with India trailing 2-1, he made it clear that this wasn’t the end of his career in red-ball cricket. Speaking to Star Sports at the SCG, he said, “I’m not going anywhere. This decision is not a retirement decision nor am I going to step aside from the game.”

Sharma, who missed the opening Test in Perth due to the birth of his second child, has struggled to find his rhythm since returning. In five innings, he failed to score more than 10 runs. Acknowledging his poor form, he shared that he had communicated to the coach and selectors that he was not in peak condition, and with the team needing a strong performance in the final Test, he felt it was best for the team to have someone who was in form.