Agarkar's Mission in Melbourne: Deciding Rohit Sharma's Test Cricket Future

Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar is in Melbourne on a crucial mission to address one of Indian cricket’s most pressing questions—Rohit Sharma's future in Test cricket. As India's Test captain faces scrutiny over his form and leadership, Agarkar’s visit underscores the urgency of charting a clear path forward for the team.

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The Chairman of Selectors, Ajit Agarkar, is currently in Melbourne and is likely to have a discussion with Rohit Sharma regarding his future in Test cricket.

If India doesn’t qualify for the WTC 2025 Final, the fifth Test in Sydney could mark the end of Rohit… pic.twitter.com/a1IwmhPu7a

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) December 27, 2024

India's WTC Scenario

India’s chances of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 hang in the balance. Currently locked at 1-1 in the five-match series against Australia, India must win at least two remaining matches to secure a berth in the final. Failure to do so could jeopardize India’s WTC aspirations and mark a significant transition in team leadership and structure.

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Rohit Sharma's Struggles

Rohit Sharma, 37, has faced a decline in his Test performances over the past year. With an average of just 11.07 in his last eight innings, his role as a consistent run-scorer has come under scrutiny. Critics and former players have called attention to his dismissals, particularly in high-stakes moments, as indicative of a lapse in focus or waning form. The Boxing Day Test in Melbourne saw Sharma dismissed for just 3 runs, sparking renewed debates about his future.

Rohit Sharma's Future in Test Cricket Hinges on WTC Qualification

India's cricketing fraternity is abuzz with speculation about captain Rohit Sharma's future in Test cricket. The 37-year-old veteran is reportedly considering retirement from the longest format if India fails to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final in 2025. This pivotal decision could mark the end of an illustrious Test career that began in 2013 and saw Sharma evolve into a dependable opener and a leader for India.

Breaking 🚨 🚨 🚨 #RohitSharma𓃵 to retire from International Cricket post , MCG test ....

It was a wonderful career from a local mumbai boy ...

( Source : 2 Sloggers yt chanel + Eminent journalists) #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/EWvUDeCFzt

— 𝔸𝕃𝕎𝔸𝕐𝕊𝔽𝔸𝕋ℍ𝔼ℝ (@harsh_hpt) December 27, 2024

Series Against Australia: A Decisive Moment

India is currently engaged in a five-match Test series against Australia, crucial for determining their WTC standing. To secure a place in the 2025 WTC Final, India must win at least four Tests in this series. With the series tied 1-1 after three matches, the final two Tests will determine not only India's fate in the WTC but also Sharma's future in the red-ball format.

Decline in Form

Sharma's recent performances in Tests have drawn criticism. In his last eight innings, he has managed just 155 runs at a disappointing average of 11.07. This slump in form has intensified scrutiny over his position in the team. During the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Sharma was dismissed for just 3 runs, fueling conversations about his declining effectiveness in the format.

Here is the updated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table as of December 27, 2024:

Position	Team	Matches	Wins	Losses	Draws	Points	PCT (%)
1	India	11	7	2	2	85	61.11
2	Australia	12	6	3	3	84	58.33
3	South Africa	9	5	2	2	72	55.56
4	England	12	6	4	2	78	52.00
5	New Zealand	10	4	3	3	68	50.00
6	Pakistan	9	4	4	1	54	44.44
7	Sri Lanka	8	3	4	1	42	37.50
8	West Indies	8	2	6	0	24	25.00
9	Bangladesh	8	0	8	0	0	0.00

India's qualification for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 depends on their performance in the ongoing Test series against Australia and the outcomes of other teams' matches. Here’s how India can secure their spot:

Avoid Draws and Losses:
Key Points for Qualification:
Win at Least Two Tests Against Australia:

India needs to win at least two out of the remaining three Tests in the series against Australia.
A win in two matches would significantly boost their PCT (Points Percentage) above 60%, keeping them in contention.
Avoid Draws and Losses:

Draws or losses will reduce India’s PCT, making it harder to stay ahead of competitors like South Africa, England, and Australia.