Virat Kohli likely to take over Test captaincy

Indian captain Rohit Sharma is unlikely to be a part of the team's plans post the conclusion of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Rohit has scored just 31 runs in the series so far and his spot has come under heavy scrutiny. 

According to a report from the Times of India, Rohit will not be playing Test cricket after the conclusion of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Under Rohit's leadership, India lost their first Test series at home in 12 years to New Zealand. India are also trailing 2-1 in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy. 

According to the report, Virat Kohli could also see a return in the leadership role. The star batter has been quite vocal in the fields and has also been seen giving pep talks in the team huddle frequently. 

Kohli is the most successful Indian Test captain with 40 wins from 68 matches at the helm. He stepped down from the role after the series in South Africa in 2021/22. He also was the first Indian captain to win a Test series Down Under when India beat Australia 2-1 in 2018/19.

While Rohit Sharma may not play Test cricket after the Sydney Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, reports suggest that he might also have played his last ever Test. 

Head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the press on the eve of the Test and did not rule out the possibility of Rohit missing out in Sydney. 

Here's what Gambhir had to tell reporters on India's playing XI:

"Everything is fine with Rohit and I don't think it's anything traditional. The head coach is here and that should be good enough. We are going to have a look at the wicket and finalise (the team) tomorrow."

Australia are leading 2-1 after a fantastic 184-run win in Melbourne. They just need to avoid defeat to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since 2014.

In conclusion, reports suggest that Virat Kohli is likely to take over the Test captaincy from Rohit Sharma after the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Rohit Sharma's poor performance in the series has led to heavy scrutiny and speculation about his future in Test cricket. Kohli, the most successful Indian Test captain with 40 wins from 68 matches, could return to the leadership role. Head coach Gautam Gambhir did not rule out the possibility of Rohit missing the Sydney Test. Australia leads the series 2-1 and needs to avoid defeat to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

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