Rohit Sharma’s epic reply after Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara retirement blunder, video goes viral WATCH

Following an exciting match at the Gabba during the Brisbane Test against Australia, Team India captain Rohit Sharma stated that players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane still have an opportunity to return to the national side in the longest form of the game.

New Delhi: Following an exciting match at the Gabba during the Brisbane Test against Australia, Team India captain Rohit Sharma stated that players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane still have an opportunity to return to the national side in the longest form of the game. The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia concluded in a draw, as the weather made it challenging to push for a result on Wednesday in Brisbane.

Rohit was asked about the Indian cricket team without the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane and Ravichandran Ashwin. It is here that Rohit had a slip of the tongue.

“No, no, absolutely (I will miss them around). Look, he has so much experience, he has won so many matches for India. So, if you want to look to your left or right and these guys are not there. By the way, Ajinkya Rahane hasn’t retired, aap mere ko marwaoge yar (you guys will get me in trouble),” Rohit said in the post-match press conference.

Further, the right-hand batter said that the doors are still open for Cheteswar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane to make a comeback in Tests.

“I am saying as if all three have retired (chuckles). Pujara too hasn’t announced his retirement. You took the names of all of them together, that’s why I was saying. They are not here right now. But I don’t know, they can still come back, the door is open for them,” the 37-year-old added.

WATCH VIDEO BELOW:

The funnyman Sharma in press conference

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— ⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) December 18, 2024

Pujara and Rahane were the cornerstone of India’s middle-order batting from the early 2010s to the early 2020s. Pujara featured in 103 Tests for India, accumulating 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, with 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries across 176 innings. His highest score is 206*. Pujara has also appeared in five One Day Internationals for India.

Rahane has also played 85 Tests for India, scoring 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, with 12 centuries and 26 fifties in 144 innings. His best score is 188.

Since India’s landmark triumph over Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane in January 2021, their performances have significantly declined. Following that memorable victory, which played a crucial role in India’s remarkable series win in Australia, Pujara has played 22 more Tests for India, accumulating only 1,084 runs at a disappointing average of 29.29, with just one century and seven half-centuries from 40 innings.

Rahane has also struggled since that iconic victory in Australia. In his next 16 Tests, he managed only 606 runs at a low average of 22.44, with just four half-centuries from 27 innings. However, Rahane had an impressive IPL 2023 with CSK, amassing 326 runs in 11 innings at an average of 32.60 and an outstanding strike rate of 172.48. He also hit two explosive half-centuries. Another season like this in the IPL could help Rahane extend his career a bit longer than Pujara, who last played in an IPL match in 2014.

Pujara boasts a remarkable first-class career. In 258 matches, he has accumulated 19,812 runs at an average of 52.00, with 61 centuries and 77 half-centuries across 426 innings. His highest score is 352.