Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Rohit Sharma likely to miss final test in Sydney; Jasprit Bumrah to lead Team India
PTC Web Desk: Indian skipper Rohit Sharma is reportedly set to miss the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Sydney, with vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah expected to lead the team in his absence. Sources indicate that Rohit’s future in Test cricket is uncertain, as the Melbourne Test could have been his last appearance in the format.
"Unless the BCCI intervenes and requests Rohit Sharma to play another Test, this decision is unlikely to change," a source revealed. In Rohit’s absence, Shubman Gill is slated to return to the playing XI at No. 3, while KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal will likely open the batting.
Rohit’s limited involvement in India’s final training session at the Sydney Cricket Ground further fueled speculation. He was seen engaging in discussions with head coach Gautam Gambhir and Bumrah rather than participating actively in net practice. Rohit arrived late to the nets, batted briefly for around 10 minutes, and did not join his teammates during slip-catching drills.
On the eve of the match, coach Gambhir addressed the media instead of the captain, an unusual move. Gambhir refrained from confirming Rohit’s inclusion, stating, "We will assess the pitch and finalise the XI tomorrow." When pressed further, he reiterated, "The answer remains the same."
Gill returns, Akash Deep out
Shubman Gill, who was dropped for the fourth Test, is set to reclaim his No. 3 position. Meanwhile, Bengal pacer Akash Deep has been ruled out due to a back injury. Either Prasidh Krishna or Harshit Rana will replace him.
Harshit Rana featured in the first two Tests in Perth and Adelaide but was subsequently replaced by Akash Deep. Prasidh, on the other hand, last played a Test in South Africa in January last year.
India aims to secure the series with a victory in Sydney. Even if the series concludes in a 2-2 draw, India will retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as the current holders of the title.
- With inputs from agencies
