\'Mereko marwaoge\': Rohit Sharma's hilarious response to Pujara, Rahane 'retirement mistake' goes viral

After a thrilling draw in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Gabba in Brisbane, Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma discussed the future of players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane in the longest format of the game.

Despite their recent absence from the team, Rohit suggested that there is still a chance for both players to make a return to the national squad.

The funnyman Sharma in press conference😂👌🏻

pic.twitter.com/2ybRBU4tfs

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) December 18, 2024

When asked about the Indian team without Pujara, Rahane, and Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit had a brief slip of the tongue during the post-match press conference. "No, no, absolutely [I will miss them around]. Look, they have so much experience and have won so many matches for India. So, when you look around and they're not there... By the way, Ajinkya Rahane hasn't retired, aap mere ko marwaoge yar [you guys are going to get me in trouble]," Rohit remarked, laughing.

Rohit further clarified that the doors for Pujara and Rahane to return to the Test team are still open. "I’m speaking as if all three have retired [chuckles]. Pujara hasn’t announced his retirement. You mentioned all their names together, so I said that. They're not here right now, but I don’t know, they can still come back, the door is open for them," he added.

Pujara and Rahane have been integral to India’s middle order for over a decade. Pujara has played 103 Tests, accumulating 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, with 19 centuries and 35 fifties. His highest score is 206*. Rahane, meanwhile, has featured in 85 Tests, scoring 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, with 12 centuries and 26 fifties. His best score is 188.

However, both players’ performances have dipped significantly since India’s historic victory at The Gabba in January 2021, which was pivotal to their series win in Australia. Since that iconic triumph, Pujara has played 22 more Tests, managing only 1,084 runs at a below-par average of 29.29, with just one century and seven fifties. Rahane's form has been similarly underwhelming, scoring only 606 runs in his last 16 Tests at an average of 22.44, with four half-centuries.

Despite his recent struggles in Tests, Rahane had a standout performance in IPL 2023 with Chennai Super Kings, scoring 326 runs in 11 innings at an impressive average of 32.60 and a strike rate of 172.48. His strong IPL form could potentially keep him in the mix longer than Pujara, who hasn’t played in the IPL since 2014.

Pujara, however, has an exceptional first-class record, having scored 19,812 runs in 258 matches at an average of 52.00, including 61 centuries and 77 half-centuries, with a highest score of 352. His impressive domestic form keeps him in the conversation for a Test return, should the opportunity arise.