Sydney: India skipper Rohit Sharma has decided to opt out of the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia to be played tomorrow (Jan 3, 2025) according to a report by Indian Express.
It is going to be pacer Jasprit Bumrah who will captain the side in the match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), the report mentioned. Rohit has informed coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar of his decision to opt out and the two, the report said, have agreed.
If Rohit stays away from tomorrow's game, his career as a Test cricketer seems headed for a dispiriting climax. Even before the report, there were swirling speculations that he is set to be dropped from the fifth and final Test against Australia on Friday.
🚨 TEAM INDIA UPDATES FOR THE SYDNEY TEST MATCH. 🚨
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 2, 2025
- Rohit Sharma opted out.
- Jasprit Bumrah to captain.
- Shubman Gill to return.
- KL and Jaiswal to open (Express Sports). pic.twitter.com/w2bFN4F8PU
In the post-conference before the fifth Test, India's head coach didn't confirm the presence of Rohit in the playing XI after facing a query from the reporter.
"We will take a call on the playing XI after looking at the pitch," Gambhir gave a cryptic reply to a straight query on whether Rohit will play.
Jasprit Bumrah is likely to take over the captaincy of the Indian side with Rohit warming the bench. He has been the most outstanding performer for the national side with 30 wickets in four outings. India's sole victory in the series came with Bumrah at the helm of the things.
Where would this decision leave Rohit?
Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Anil Kumble took retirement from Test cricket mid-series as their bodies were not able to take the tole of the longest format. In Rohit's case, he has decided to withdraw from the fixture on his own.
If Rohit doesn't come out for the toss on Friday, it is likely that it would be the last red-ball game for the right-handed batter. Although Gambhir didn't reveal the playing XI, there were indications that Shubman Gill might bat at the number three.
"Indian cricket's transition is in safe hands as long as there are honest people in the dressing room. The only criteria to be in that dressing room is performance," Gambhir said at the pre-match press conference.
A victory for Australia will ensure their place in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC). India, not only require a win but they also need Sri Lanka to not lose any of their two Tests at home against Pat Cummins' men.
