Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has dismissed recent retirement rumours following his exclusion from the fifth and final Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test match in Sydney.

Speaking during the lunch break on day two, the 37-year-old addressed the speculation, clarifying that his absence from the lineup was purely due to his current form and not a step towards retirement.

"This is not a decision to retire, nor am I stepping away from the game," Rohit said, rejecting claims of his imminent exit from international cricket. He added, “I’ve stood down for this match because I wasn’t scoring runs at the moment.”

Rohit further explained that his decision was based on his recent form and emphasized that it had no bearing on any future plans.

"There is no guarantee runs won’t come five or two months down the line. I’ve seen a lot in cricket and life changes every second, every minute, every day," he noted.

The Indian captain also expressed confidence that his batting form could change, but he remained realistic about the demands of the game.

"I have confidence that things can change, but I also have to be realistic. Life won’t change based on what people with a mic, pen, or laptop write or say," he added.

Rohit stressed that decisions regarding retirement or team roles should be made by the players themselves. "They can’t decide when we should retire, when we should sit out, or when we should captain. I am a sensible man, a mature man, a father of two kids. So I know what I need in life."

Acknowledging his lack of form, Rohit emphasized the importance of having in-form players in crucial matches, especially with India’s batting order struggling. "I am not in form and it’s an important game. We need an in-form player. Our batting order isn’t in form at the moment. So out-of-form players can’t carry the team at the moment," he said. He explained that he had communicated his decision to the coach and selectors, who supported his call.

Meanwhile, India mounted a strong response in the match as they restricted Australia to 101/5 at lunch on day two. They further took control of the match by dismissing Alex Carey (21) during the middle session.

India needs to win the Sydney Test to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and keep their slim hopes of reaching the World Test Championship Final alive.

Should Australia win, they would secure a place in the final against South Africa at Lord's in June and also end a decade-long wait to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Rohit, who has struggled for form in the series, has averaged just 6.2 across five innings and has yet to register a victory on the tour. He missed India’s opening Test win in Perth due to the birth of his second child.

In his absence, pacer Jasprit Bumrah assumed the captaincy for the Sydney Test, just as he did in the first Test.

However, Bumrah was forced to leave the field after sustaining an injury while bowling in the second session, with Virat Kohli taking over as the captain. India managed to bowl Australia out for 181, and at the close of play on day two, India were 141/6, holding a 145-run lead.