As India prepares for the crucial New Year’s IND vs AUS Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the spotlight is on captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir. This match is part of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with Australia leading the series 2-1 and this Test being the decider. Speculation surrounds the Indian team, particularly regarding Rohit’s place in the playing XI, given his current form. Recently, Rohit Sharma was seen having a chat with the head coach, Gautam Gambhir, and vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah in the stands of Sydney Cricket Ground. Particularly talking about something serious. Many reports are speculating that this could be the final match of his Test career.
Rohit’s form under scrutiny
Rohit Sharma’s performance has been a talking point. He has scored only 31 runs in the series and an average of 6.20, and his form is the lowest for any touring captain in Australia with at least five innings. His ongoing slump, which has seen him score just 164 runs in 15 innings at an average of 10.93 for the 2024-25 season, raises questions about his effectiveness as both a batter and a leader. During a press conference on the eve of the Sydney Test, Gautam Gambhir chose not to confirm Rohit’s inclusion in the final XI, saying the decision would depend on the pitch conditions. The Sydney Test could be Rohit Sharma’s final Test of his career.
Training session observations
In Thursday’s training session, Rohit was notably absent from the slip cordon, reinforcing doubts about his selection. Other players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal were seen practicing slip catches, with Rishabh Pant working on his wicketkeeping skills. Rohit spent most of the session discussing with vice captain Jasprit Bumrah and chief selector Ajit Agarkar before eventually taking a brief stint in the nets.
Sydney Test: Possible team changes in playing XI
Speculation continues around Rohit’s potential exclusion from the playing XI. If dropped, Jasprit Bumrah is likely to captain the team. Shubman Gill, who missed the previous Test, might return to the lineup, possibly batting at No. 3. Meanwhile, KL Rahul is expected to partner with Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the order. The final team decisions remain eagerly anticipated as the Test approaches, with fans and analysts watching closely for strategic changes.
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