IND vs AUS: So, has Rohit Rohit Sharma opted out of the final Test in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 starting on Friday (January 3) in Sydney?

Or, has "Dressing Room Leaks" caused him enormous grief, we do not know.

On a dramatic day of developments, when a stern Gautam Gambhir addressed the press conference on Thursday (January 2) and Hitman was absent, tongues started wagging.

'Slip catch practice' session photos showed, Rohit was not in the formation. The first sign was more than a slip. By night-time in Sydney, it became clear, Rohit opted out.

So, what does one interpret from this? Rohit opted out, or was he told by Gambhir and chairman selection committee Ajit Agarkar, also in Sydney, that he take a break? It does not matter now.

Rohit's Test career is over. He cannot and will not return to first-class cricket like Ajinkya Rahane or Cheteshwar Pujara. He is 37, too old for it. And he knows the best in Tests is behind him. He may have done a deal with the BCCI, he will lead in the Champions Trophy, as promised by Jay Shah.

For the time being, like Perth, Jasprit Bumrah will lead. He deserves this, to be in command again. He has been outstanding in the Border Gavaskar Trophy and through 2024.

Fire will match fire as Bumrah versus Pat Cummins will be exciting.

Rohit cannot do an R. Ashwin, and fly to India. He has to be in the Sydney dressing room, recall how he spent time in Test cricket for 11 years, since his debut in Kolkata. Great memories, but like a boring picture, the last few reels were sad.

Woefully out of form, a pot belly, not looking good, Rohit had done all to save his spot. He ruined the batting order, and, in the end, had to step down from the Sydney Test. There are massive ramifications. Yet, the night before the Test, there will be peace for all.

Rohit, the stand-in captain Bumrah and the coach.

Can fans forget how Rohit Sharma was watching Ashwin sign out, and fly back to India? Minus emotions. Rohit cannot do that, he will have to watch his mates play, cheer and clap for them. Again, karma. He blamed Shubman Gill. And he blamed Rishabh Pant.

The big mistake, Rohit took too long to realise his shelf life in Test cricket was over. Losses in a series at home to New Zealand, a paternity break, and a return which did more damage, Rohit leaves these memories. Forget the runs and tons he scored.

Legacy was there and will be there. What was needed was form. It deserted him.

Did 'Dressing Room Leaks' hit him? Yes, it has. The story was sensational. In the end, what started as a storm became a fire and the flames engulfed Rohit Sharma. He has been lucky to escape in many ways.

Had Rohit undermined the power of Gambhir the coach, he knows best. Immediate context, Rohit Sharma has looked at the mirror on the wall and said he won't play. His future will be decided by the BCCI bosses. Rohit is no longer in a position to call. As for who will be the next full-time captain, that will be a different story.

Stay tuned in.