IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma Steps Down From 5th Test; Bumrah To Lead India

By Unnati Madan On Jan 3, 2025

Rohit Sharma To Leave Captaincy Ahead Of Champions Trophy In Test cricket

In a significant move, Rohit Sharma has decided to rest for India’s fifth and final Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The 37-year-old, who is going through a tough time, has agreed to this decision after discussing it with head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, according to The Indian Express.

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Rohit Sharma to Rest for Sydney Test

With Rohit Sharma not playing, Shubman Gill will return to the playing XI, and Jasprit Bumrah will be the captain again. KL Rahul will open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, followed by Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant.

“The Indian Express understands that Rohit has informed coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar of his decision to opt-out. The duo, it is learnt, have agreed,” the report read.

Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar Approve Rohit’s Decision

It is important to note that this Sydney Test will be India’s final red-ball match in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. If the BCCI chooses not to include him in the next WTC cycle, the Melbourne Boxing Day Test could be his last match in white clothing.

“During training on match eve, Gambhir was seen having long, intense conversations with Bumrah while the fielding drills were going on. Rohit made a brief appearance at the nets and batted with side-arm bowlers — he, in fact, was among the last to walk in for practice. He was also missing during the routine slip practice sessions,” the report further explained.

Did Gautam Gambhir Hint at Dropping Rohit Sharma for the Sydney Test?

Earlier, head coach Gautam Gambhir gave several hints in a press conference that Rohit Sharma might not play in the Sydney Test. With this news now confirmed, it will be interesting to see how India performs without their all-format captain.

Currently, 1-2 down, India must win the fifth and final Test against Australia in Sydney to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

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