Sydney [Australia], January 3: After the first day of play in the final Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant opened up about Rohit Sharma’s decision to rest for the match, calling it an “emotional decision.” Pant shared that the team’s regular captain’s absence was a management call, and as a result, he was not involved in the conversation about the decision.
Pant also reflected on the team’s performance, with India’s top order once again failing to build partnerships. A resilient 48-run stand between Pant and Ravindra Jadeja was a high point, helping India reach 100 runs. Pant, who scored 40 off 98 balls, including three fours and a six, was one of the bright spots in an otherwise challenging innings.
“Definitely, it was an emotional decision,” Pant said during the post-day press conference. “He has been captain for a long time, and we see him as the leader of the team, but some decisions are made at a management level, and I wasn’t part of that conversation.”
Rohit Sharma has been struggling for form, scoring just 31 runs in the series across three matches, with a low average of 6.20. His overall Test record in the 2024/25 season has been disappointing, with only 164 runs in eight matches and a best score of 52.
On the field, Pant also spoke about stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership, praising his positive mindset. “Bumrah gave us the message to stay positive and not dwell on what’s already happened,” Pant said. “It’s what you want from your captain—to keep moving the game forward with a positive frame of mind every day.”
India’s day was also marred by a controversial Decision Review System (DRS) call when Washington Sundar was given out caught behind, despite a marginal murmur on Snicko technology. Pant expressed his views on the use of technology in the game: “As cricketers, we can’t control technology, but I believe the on-field umpire’s decision should stand unless it’s conclusive to change it.”
India won the toss and chose to bat, but their top order collapsed once again, with Virat Kohli (17) continuing his struggles against deliveries outside the off-stump. Pant, Jadeja (26), and Bumrah (22) were the only ones to make notable contributions as India finished the day at 185/10 in 72.2 overs. For Australia, Scott Boland was the standout bowler with 4/31, while Mitchell Starc took 3/49 and Pat Cummins 2/37.