I have not retired, I just stood down from this Test: Rohit

SYDNEY: Senior India batter Rohit Sharma on Saturday categorically denied his retirement rumours and said he “stood down” from the ongoing Sydney Test against Australia on account of poor form.

Grappling with modest form, Rohit “opted to rest” from the Sydney Test, handing over the leadership duties to Jasprit Bumrah, sparking widespread speculations about his future.

“I have not retired. I stood down, that is what I would say. Basically the chat that I had with the coach and the selector was very simple. That I am not able to score runs, there is no form, it is an important match and we need a player with form. As it is, in our batting, the form of the boys is not that good,” Rohit told Star Sports.