Michael Clarke suggests BCCI to pick Rohit Sharma for Tests vs England on one CONDITION, says ‘If I was the selector…’

Michael Clarke suggests Rohit Sharma participate in the five-Test series in England, but with a condition.

New Delhi: Although Rohit Sharma’s recent IPL 2025 performance has been inconsistent, he is expected to captain India in the upcoming five-Test series against England. His position was previously uncertain following India’s loss of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but his leadership in securing the Champions Trophy victory has seemingly secured his place. While the England tour is still several months away and the situation could change, the current plan is for Sharma to lead the team, aiming for India’s first series win in England in 18 years.

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke believes Rohit Sharma should remain in India’s Test team, but advocates for a batting position change. Clarke suggests that, given Rohit’s struggles opening in Australia (scoring only 31 runs across three matches), a move to the middle order, potentially at number five, would better utilize his skills, allowing him to face the second new ball.

“I think Rohit still has the game. Class is permanent and you have seen that in the Champions Trophy final. He would be an ideal No. 5. He can face the second new ball if needed, and if there are early wickets, he can hold things up as well. But Rohit loves to open and can blunt the new ball as well. If I was an Indian selector, I’d pick Rohit for England as the captain and leader,” Clarke said on the show ‘Backstage with Boria’.

In a recent India-Australia Day/Night Test match in Adelaide, Rohit Sharma batted in the fifth position.

Rohit Sharma’s 2021 England tour yielded respectable results, including a century and several other significant scores. However, his current form is a cause for concern, given the differences in his role, experience, and age compared to his 2021 performance.

Rohit Sharma’s low scores in the early stages of IPL 2025 (0, 8, and 13) are raising concerns. He has only surpassed 20 runs twice in his last ten IPL innings. The IPL concludes on May 25th, giving players approximately one month to prepare for the England Test series, commencing June 20th in Leeds.

India narrowly missed their first Test series victory in England since 2007, drawing the series 2-2 after England won the rescheduled fifth Test. Rohit Sharma’s previous England tour in 2018 yielded only 34 runs in a single Test. Approaching 40, and if included in the BCCI’s plans, this England tour may be Sharma’s final Test series for India; he will likely aim for a successful conclusion to his career.