New Delhi: Legendary Australian captain Steve Waugh has urged Rohit Sharma to reflect on his commitment to Test cricket, as the Indian opener faces growing scrutiny over his form in the longest format.
Rohit, who is nearing the twilight of his international career, has endured a lean patch in recent Test series. Over his last 15 innings, he has managed just one half-century, prompting questions about his future in the format. This poor run led to him being dropped from India’s playing XI during the Sydney Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year, where India lost the series 1-3.
With India set to begin the new ICC World Test Championship cycle with a tour of England in June, speculation about Rohit’s leadership role and continued participation in Test cricket has intensified. In light of his struggles, Waugh believes only Rohit can address the concerns about his future in the format.
“It’s totally up to him. He’s the only one who can solve that problem,” Waugh said in an interview with PTI. “He has to look in the mirror and ask himself, ‘Do I still want to be captain or play for India? Am I committed? Am I putting enough time and effort into it?’ Playing for your country is a privilege and an honor. You can’t afford to be complacent or take it lightly.”
While Rohit Sharma has faced criticism in Test cricket, he has found form in the IPL 2025, where he made an impactful return with a brilliant fifty against Chennai Super Kings after a slow start. However, Waugh’s comments suggest that it’s crucial for Rohit to assess his dedication to Test cricket, given the physical and mental demands of the format.
Waugh also highlighted the importance of ensuring the survival and thriving of Test cricket amidst the growing popularity of T20 cricket. “There’s stress on Test cricket, whether it will survive, because we need it as a sport. T20 cricket is great for players, spectators, and sponsors, but Test cricket is the essence of the game,” Waugh stated.
He further emphasized that playing Test cricket remains a top aspiration for many cricketers. “The players still want to test themselves in Tests to see how good they can be. It’s the ultimate contest. Making sure Test cricket survives and thrives is vital for the future of the sport,” Waugh added.
As Rohit prepares for the upcoming series, his commitment to the longest format will undoubtedly be a key factor in both his career and the future of Test cricket for India.
