SYDNEY: Fans and cricket experts had hoped that India would secure their qualification for the World Test Championship final by the end of the three-match Test series against New Zealand at home. However, India suffered a 3-0 series defeat, marking their first home Test series loss in several years. After this, they travelled to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Under Jasprit Bumrah's leadership, India started with a victory in Perth. Rohit Sharma returned for the second Test, but India struggled in the following three Tests. They lost two matches, while the third ended in a draw due to rain at the Gabba.

The last time India won a Test under Rohit's leadership was against the relatively weaker Bangladesh. With the series loss against New Zealand and Australia, questions are being raised not only about Rohit's captaincy but also his position in the team. Rohit's performance as captain in the three Tests in Australia has been disastrous: 3, 6 in Adelaide, 10 in Brisbane, and 3, 9 in Melbourne. In five innings, Rohit managed just 31 runs. Against New Zealand, he scored only 91 runs from six innings.

In the last six Tests, Rohit accumulated just 122 runs from 11 innings, with a score over 50 only once. Rohit is often regarded as one of the best captains after Dhoni, and has even been recognized for ending India's ICC trophy drought. After Kapil Dev and Dhoni, he is the third Indian captain to win a World Cup. However, Rohit has never been India’s best Test captain.

During the series against Australia, there were several opportunities for India to gain an advantage, but Rohit lost them due to poor captaincy. The biggest example of this was his field setting in the second innings of the Boxing Day Test, where he allowed the Australian tailenders, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon, to escape with a partnership. Rohit was often seen looking lethargic on the field. His inconsistent form with the bat has clearly affected him.

After the matches, Rohit frequently criticized other players for not taking responsibility but never acknowledged his own poor performances. Not only did he fail to accept self-criticism, but he also tried to justify his poor form. However, if recent reports are to be believed, Rohit Sharma may not feature in red-ball cricket after the Sydney Test.

For India to qualify for the World Test Championship final, they must first win the Sydney Test. If they win, their qualification will depend on the outcome of the Sri Lanka-Australia series. If they fail to win in Sydney, they will lose the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar had already flown to Australia, while the fourth Test in Melbourne was underway.

Agarkar, who shares a close relationship with Rohit, is said to have discussed the player’s poor form and future prospects. It is reported that Rohit has requested the selection committee to allow him to continue if India qualifies for the World Test Championship final (a remote possibility). However, if they lose the New Year Test, Rohit Sharma might be permanently dropped from Test cricket.