BGT Finale: Rohit Sharma Drops his Spot, Bumrah May Lead India in Sydney Test?

According to reports, India skipper Rohit Sharma has been left out of the playing XI for the fifth and final Test match between Australia and India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25. The Test cricket career of India captain Rohit Sharma seems destined for a depressing conclusion. The Indian team will be led by star pacer and vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah in his place for the series finale, which is scheduled to start at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Sydney on Friday, January 3.

Like in Melbourne, Rohit entered the nets last among the recognized batters. This followed head coach Gautam Gambhir's refusal to clarify if the struggling captain will attend Friday morning's toss. At the pre-match press conference before the Pink Test, which head coach Gautam Gambhir chaired, the 37-year-old chose not to speak to the media. Due to Rohit Sharma's absence, star batsman KL Rahul will once again open the innings with left-handed Yashasvi Jaiswal, a position in which the Karnataka batsman has performed exceptionally well thus far in the series.

Rohit Sharma's position under threat?

When questioned specifically regarding Rohit's involvement, Gambhir gave a vague response: "We will take a call on the playing XI after looking at the pitch," The Indian Express claims that as the senior hitter has chosen to withdraw from his inclusion, Shubman Gill, who was benched during the fourth Test due to poor form, would have another chance. Rohit will become the first Indian skipper to be benched because of his bad play. After scoring just 31 runs in five innings, he can only blame himself.

Pace leader Jasprit Bumrah, who has taken an incredible 30 wickets in four games at a sub-20 average, would assume the leadership role in such a situation. India won the first Test in Perth under Bumrah's leadership, marking their lone win so far on this tour.

During the press conference, Gambhir clarified that India will choose their playing XI for the series finale after taking a quick look at the Sydney ground prior to the toss. Although the report indicates otherwise, the head coach's remarks suggested that the Indian captain might be retained.

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