When the captain’s armband felt heavier, these leaders stepped aside for their teams
As Jasprit Bumrah came out for the toss at Sydney Cricket Ground, whispers turned to gasps. India’s regular captain, Rohit Sharma, was missing from the ceremonial handshake and the starting XI. Speculation over his absence had been simmering, fuelled by his poor performance—31 runs in five innings. Then came the word that Rohit had opted out.
Rohit Sharma looked really down while talking to Gautam Ghambir and Jasprit Bumrah today.
— Ahmad Haseeb (@iamAhmadhaseeb) January 2, 2025
- Not only Sydney test, but he might lost the captaincy as well. #RohitSharma𓃵 pic.twitter.com/hUVKStCi77
This unusual move of a captain stepping down, voluntarily or by management, prompted discussion. Rohit’s choice was courageous and unselfish, putting the team’s needs ahead of personal pride. However, Rohit is not the first leader to confront such a situation. Cricket has experienced leaders who, when their performances deteriorated, chose to stand down for the betterment of their teams.
Misbah-ul-Haq of PAK is recognised as a steady hand during difficult times, yet even the calmest waters may be stormy. During the 2014 ODI series against Australia, Misbah’s bat was unusually quiet. His troubles paralleled PAK’s; two defeats sharpened the critics’ daggers.
Somewhat dragging the squad down further, Misbah made an unusual decision: he removed himself from the playing XI for the third match and gave Shahid Afridi the leadership. While the outcome did not suit PAK, Misbah’s move demonstrated his sincerity. He didn’t simply take the pressure; he absorbed it, giving his teammates time to recuperate.
Mike Denness smashing boundary in a Test match // Picture Courtesy – ESPNcricinfo
The Ashes is no ordinary cricket series, and the 1974 edition was especially brutal. Mike Denness, England’s captain, suffered two devastating defeats and one draw in the first three games. The media was relentless, challenging his leadership and position on the squad.
Denness, seeing his declining form and the team’s need for a spark, did what few leaders would dare: he stood aside. Tony Greig, an all-rounder, took over as captain for the fourth Test, although the switch was not immediately successful. Denness’s decision to sit out is a remarkable monument to a captain’s commitment to putting the team first over personal glory.
Sri Lanka’s 2014 T20 World Cup victory is known as a fairytale ending, but behind the scenes, a skipper chose humility over arrogance. Dinesh Chandimal, battling with form and receiving criticism, realised that his presence in the knockout stages may damage Sri Lanka’s hopes.
With the team’s dream on the line, Chandimal stood aside, allowing Lasith Malinga to lead. The gamble paid out spectacularly. Under Malinga’s captaincy, Sri Lanka beat India in the final to win the championship. Chandimal’s choice was more than poor form; it was a leader’s ultimate act of selflessness, relying on his colleagues to complete the task.
Rohit Sharma hasn’t stepped out with the rest of the squad & his name no longer appears in the squad list either. A different meaning to “opted to rest” perhaps #AusvInd pic.twitter.com/yRb203Rmni
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) January 2, 2025
Rohit’s choice to withdraw from the fifth Test at the SCG may not have the same dramatic undertones, but it is consistent with this story of self-awareness and sacrifice. His lean patch—only 31 runs in the series—had become painfully visible. India’s chances for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy need more than a struggling captain could provide. The veteran has led India in 24 Tests, winning 12 and losing 9 (3 draws). Rohit has only scored 1,254 runs in these games, averaging 30.58 (100s: 4, 50s: 4).
By sitting out, Rohit gave up leadership to Jasprit Bumrah and created a position for an in-form batter. While fans and critics questioned whether this decision was self-imposed or influenced by team management, one thing was clear: Rohit prioritised India’s prospects over his personal pride.
