The fifth and final Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia will see Rohit Sharma, the Test captain of India, “rested”. On Friday morning at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), pacer jasprit Bumrah is expected to step out for the toss in his place.
Given that Rohit might not be included in the plans for the upcoming World Test Championship Cycle, which starts with a summer visit to England, this could also indicate that the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne was Rohit’s final appearance for India. India’s chances of making it to the WTC final in this cycle are slim.
Rohit will be replaced in the starting lineup by Shubman Gill, who was benched during the Melbourne Test. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal will open the innings, while he will bat at number three. An injured Akash Deep, who was unable to play in Thursday’s series finale, will be replaced by Prasidh Krishna, while Rishabh Pant is expected to keep his position in the squad.
Gambhir and Bumrah were observed engaging in lengthy, heated discussions during match-eve preparation while the fielding drills were underway. Rohit was one of the last players to arrive for practice, although he did make a fleeting cameo at the nets and batted with sidearm bowlers. During the regular slip practice sessions, he was likewise absent.
When questioned about Rohit’s position in the starting lineup earlier in the day, Gambhir remained evasive. “With Rohit, everything is good. Tomorrow, we’ll examine the wicket and declare the starting lineup,” Gambhir continued.
Rohit has been struggling lately in Test cricket, averaging just 6.2 in his past three Test matches in Australia and 10.93 in his last nine. The whitewash he suffered at home and against New Zealand, as well as the two series losses to Australia after India won the first Test under Bumrah’s captaincy, have further raised questions about his leadership.
Bumrah will have another opportunity to lead the team in the all-important fifth Test, which India must win to level the series 2-2 and retain the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
