Irfan Pathan speaks out on Rohit Sharma interview controversy

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shed light on the inside story behind Rohit Sharma’s much-discussed interview at the Sydney Cricket Ground during the fifth and final Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar series. Rohit, who was the Test captain at the time, had made the surprising decision to drop himself from the Sydney Test due to his poor form throughout the series. Rohit had already missed the series opener as he was on paternity leave, but when he returned, his performance remained below par. Across the three Tests he played in the series, he managed to score just 31 runs in total.

This resulted in a worrying batting average of 6.20, which is the lowest ever recorded by an Indian touring captain in Australia with a minimum of five innings. With India aiming to level the series in the deciding match, Rohit’s form sparked intense debate and speculation about his place in the team. Irfan Pathan’s revelations provide a deeper understanding of the pressure and challenges Rohit faced during this crucial period, which eventually led to his decision to step aside for the final Test.

Irfan Pathan, who interviewed Rohit Sharma in Sydney, revealed that the broadcasters had to support the then India captain despite his ongoing struggles in Test cricket. Irfan admitted that if Rohit wasn’t the skipper of the Indian team, the management would likely have dropped him from the playing XI due to his poor form. The pressure on Rohit was immense, but his leadership role shielded him from immediate exclusion. Irfan’s insight highlights the challenges Rohit faced balancing captaincy responsibilities while trying to regain his batting form in the longest format. 

"Rohit Sharma is an amazing player in white-ball cricket, but his average in Test cricket that year was 6, so we said that if he was not the captain, he would not have had a place in the team, and this is true," stated Irfan Pathan in a recent podcast. 

"People say that we supported Rohit Sharma more than necessary. Of course, when someone comes to interview on your broadcasting channel, you will not misbehave with them, right? You have invited him, so you will behave politely. When Rohit came to interview, we were, of course, polite, and we had to show that, because he was our guest. So that was connected and said we were supporting him, but it was we who said...we had said that he should keep fighting, but that said, he should not have had a place in the playing XI. If he was not the captain of the team, he would have been dropped," he added.

Rohit Sharma’s last Test tour concluded with his retirement announcement from red-ball cricket on May 7. Over his career, he played 67 Tests, amassing 4,301 runs at an average of 40.58. The Mumbai-born batsman scored 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries, showcasing his ability to perform consistently at the highest level. Although his Test career had its ups and downs, Rohit made significant contributions to the Indian team with his elegant stroke play and crucial innings.