Pathan Regrets Not Playing with Rohit Sharma, IND Captain's Epic One-Liner: 'I Was a Little Boy Then...'

Rohit Sharma has put an end to all the retirement rumors circulating after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by asserting that he is not stepping away from the game. Prior to the SCG Test, there was speculation that Rohit might be bidding adieu to Test cricket after the fifth Test, especially when he wasn't included in the playing XI. This fueled further speculation about his future in the longest format of the game. However, during an interview on Day 2 of the Sydney Test, Rohit clarified that it was his own decision to sit out the match as he felt there were already too many out-of-form players in the team. The dynamic batsman has been going through a rough patch, managing only 31 runs in three matches during this series with an average of 6.20, after facing 110 balls.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who was accompanied by Jatin Sapru during Rohit's on-field interview at Lunch break, heaped praise on the Indian skipper for his selfless nature and for putting the team ahead of himself.

Pathan even said it was unfortunate that he didn't get the chance to play under Rohit's captaincy during his playing career.

"Rohit, I am actually proud of you. I have seen you as a young boy player here, playing since 2007. The way you have shown selflessness and put the team in the front. In ODIs, showing the aggression, leading by example and then expect the same from your players. India is lucky to have a captain like you who has always set the right example. I feel I'm very unfortunate that I didn't get the chance to play under your captaincy. I have played with you but not played under your captaincy," Pathan said during Rohit's interview on Star Sports.

Rohit had a witty response to Pathan's massive praise.

"Tabhi mai chhota baccha tha naa (I was a kid back then)," Rohit replied.

‘Let them earn it’: Rohit Sharma's big statement

Pathan also asked Rohit who has the potential to lead India in Test cricket after Jasprit Bumrah in the future.

"It's is very tough to talk about it at this stage, there are some players but firstly, I want them to understand the importance of Test cricket. I know the responsibility should be given but one should earn it. Let them play some hard-fought cricket for the next few years, let them earn it. Be it me, Bumrah or former captains Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni we all earned the captaincy, we never got anything on the plate," Rohit said.

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