Rohit Sharma Dropped from Crucial Test: Indian Captain Discussed with Coach Gambhir and Selector Agarkar; Bumrah to Captain Tomorrow

Indian Test captain Rohit Sharma will be rested for the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. In his absence, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is likely to lead the team at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday morning.

According to a report by the Indian Express, Rohit has informed head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar of his decision to sit out of the playing XI. Both reportedly agreed to the decision.

This move could indicate that the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne may have been Rohit’s last for India, as he might not be included in the plans for the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, which begins with India’s tour of England. Notably, India is unlikely to qualify for the WTC final in the current cycle.

Currently, the Indian team trails 1-2 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The team will play the final match of the five-match series starting January 3 in Sydney.

Shubman Gill to Replace Rohit Sharma in Playing XI

Shubman Gill, who was sidelined for the Melbourne Test, will return to the playing XI in place of Rohit Sharma. Gill will bat at number three, while KL Rahul will open the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. 

Rishabh Pant will retain his spot in the team, while Prasidh Krishna, who is recovering from injury, will replace Akash Deep.

Rohit Sharma Batting Last in Nets and Missing Regular Practice Sessions

Ahead of the match, during the training session, Rohit Sharma was seen having an extended conversation with Jasprit Bumrah while fielding drills were underway. He spent some time batting with side-arm bowlers in the nets. In fact, Rohit was the last to join the practice session. Additionally, he was absent during the regular slip practice session.

Earlier today, when asked about Rohit’s position in the playing XI, head coach Gambhir responded, “Everything is fine with Rohit. We will assess the wicket tomorrow and announce the playing XI.”

3 Points to Understand Why Rohit Sharma Might Not Play

Rohit Sitting Alone in the Dressing Room

Before the match, during the team’s training session, Rohit Sharma was seen separated from the team, sitting alone in the dressing room. He was engaged in a long conversation with Jasprit Bumrah and arrived late for the practice session.

Gambhir Seen Talking to Bumrah and Agarkar

Head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar were seen discussing with Jasprit Bumrah during the training. After their conversation, Bumrah instructed Shubman Gill to take some batting practice in the nets, while Rohit Sharma continued his batting session.

Shubman Gill Taking Slip Fielding Practice Instead of Rohit

Shubman Gill took part in slip fielding practice in place of Rohit Sharma. Typically, during matches, Rohit is seen fielding in slips alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli.

Irfan Pathan Says Rohit Sharma Wouldn’t Be in the Team if He Wasn’t Captain

Former fast bowler Irfan Pathan commented on Rohit Sharma’s poor form, stating:

“If Rohit wasn’t the captain, he wouldn’t be in the team. A player who has scored 20,000 runs, yet seeing the way Rohit is struggling, it seems his form isn’t supporting him. What’s happening right now is that he is playing because he is the captain. If he wasn’t the captain, perhaps he wouldn’t be playing at all. You would have a fixed team.”

Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy Under Scrutiny Following Poor Performances

After India’s humiliating whitewash at home against New Zealand, followed by two defeats against Australia, Rohit Sharma’s captaincy has come under scrutiny. Additionally, when Rohit was on paternity leave, Jasprit Bumrah captained the team in the Perth Test, where India won the match by 195 runs.

Rohit Sharma’s Struggles in BGT 2024

Indian captain Rohit Sharma has struggled in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024. In 5 innings across 3 Tests, he has managed to score only 31 runs, with an average of 6.20. Rohit appears to be in the final stages of his career, as in 2024, he has scored only 131 runs at an average of 24.76.