BGT 2024-25: Rohit Sharma Exits as Bumrah Takes Charge of India in Sydney, Sources Reveal

Sydney, Jan 2 (NationPress) The concluding Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series will witness a notable change in leadership for Team India. Test captain Rohit Sharma has decided to miss the crucial match against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), with fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah anticipated to helm the team in his absence.

IANS has learned that Rohit communicated his decision to head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, prioritizing the 'best-team first' approach for the match. Both Gambhir and Agarkar reportedly concurred with this decision.

There is growing speculation that this could signal the conclusion of Rohit’s Test career, as the forthcoming World Test Championship (WTC) cycle may not include him in India’s long-term plans.

Rohit’s performance in Tests has been disappointing, averaging only 6.2 in the last three matches in Australia and 10.93 over the past nine Tests. These statistics, coupled with India’s challenges in the current WTC cycle, have raised questions about his position in the squad.

If this indeed turns out to be Rohit’s last appearance in whites, the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne might be his final game as India’s Test captain.

India’s lineup for the SCG encounter will undergo several modifications. With Rohit unavailable, Shubman Gill will rejoin the playing XI after being omitted for the fourth Test. Gill is expected to bat at No.3, while KL Rahul will open the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, replicating their positions from the series opener in Perth. Rishabh Pant, a consistent figure in the middle order, will keep his place in the team.

On the bowling front, Prasidh Krishna will replace the injured Akash Deep, who was ruled out of the series finale on Thursday. Krishna’s inclusion adds a fresh dynamic to India’s pace attack alongside Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

Bumrah, who guided India to victory in the series opener, will once again assume the captaincy role. His composed demeanor and tactical insight have earned him accolades, with many viewing him as a natural leader on the field.

On the eve of the final Test, Bumrah was observed in deep conversation with Gambhir while the team participated in fielding drills. This indicates that the coaching staff is formulating a comprehensive strategy for the must-win clash.

Bumrah’s captaincy will be under scrutiny as India strives to equalize the series at 2-2 and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

When queried about Rohit’s availability for the fifth Test, Gambhir avoided giving a direct response. “Everything is fine with Rohit. We are going to evaluate the wicket and announce the playing XI tomorrow,” he stated, maintaining an air of uncertainty until the official announcement.

India’s prospects of qualifying for the WTC final in this cycle are limited, but safeguarding the Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains a top priority. The team’s performances have been inconsistent, suffering two defeats under Rohit’s captaincy following an emphatic win in the series opener under Bumrah’s leadership.

If Rohit Sharma indeed steps away from Test cricket after this series, his legacy as a player and captain will continue to be a topic of discussion. Despite his recent struggles in the format, his contributions to Indian cricket across all formats have been significant.

India’s immediate focus, however, is on establishing stability and solutions for the final Test. Bumrah’s leadership and the revamped playing XI present the team with a chance to conclude the series on a high note and ensure the Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains with them.