With India trailing 1-2 in the series, skipper Rohit Sharma might be rested for the Sydney Test, with Jasprit Bumrah taking over the captaincy.
January 2, 2025: Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma is likely to be rested for the fifth and final Test match against Australia starting Thursday in Sydney, according to sources. In his absence, Jasprit Bumrah is expected to lead the side, stepping up once again as captain after previously leading India to victory in the first Test in Perth.
Rohit Sharma’s Form Under Scrutiny:
Rohit has struggled significantly throughout the series, managing to score only 31 runs in three matches. He had missed the opening Test in Perth due to personal reasons following the birth of his second child. Despite rejoining the team, he has failed to deliver impactful performances with the bat.
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Gautam Gambhir’s Cryptic Response:
During the pre-match press conference, head coach Gautam Gambhir remained non-committal when asked about Rohit Sharma’s availability for the Sydney Test.
“Everything is fine with Rohit. We’ll have a look at the wicket and finalise the playing XI tomorrow,” Gambhir said, further fueling speculation.
Significance of the 5th Test:
Trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, India faces a must-win situation in Sydney to keep their World Test Championship (WTC) Final hopes alive. Even if India secures a victory, their qualification depends on the results of the Australia-Sri Lanka series later this month.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Leadership:
Bumrah previously captained India in the first Test in Perth, leading the team to an emphatic 295-run victory. His calm leadership and sharp strategic decisions have earned him praise, and the team will be relying on his experience to bounce back in Sydney.
The Sydney Test promises high stakes, with India not just playing for a series-leveling victory but also keeping their WTC Final dream alive.
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Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, India vs Australia 5th Test, Sydney Test, World Test Championship, Gautam Gambhir, Indian Cricket Team, Rohit Sharma Rested, Jasprit Bumrah Captain, India vs Australia Test Series.
