Trailing 1-2 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Team India faces a do-or-die situation in the fifth and final Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
A win is crucial not only to retain the coveted trophy but also to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the World Test Championship final.
On the eve of the match, head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed a press conference, refusing to confirm the participation of underperforming captain Rohit Sharma in the playing XI. Gambhir stressed the importance of “honesty” and “honest people” for a team undergoing a transition.
Adding fuel to the fire, reports have emerged suggesting a growing rift between Gambhir and Rohit.
According to reports, the two were not on speaking terms during the practice session a day before the Sydney Test, staying on opposite sides of the ground.
The report detailed a visible lack of communication when Gambhir, accompanied by Jasprit Bumrah, walked to the center of the SCG. Rohit joined them later but reportedly avoided interacting with the coach.
“Everyone present at the SCG witnessed a complete communication breakdown between the skipper and the head coach,” the report stated.
“The developments on Thursday made it clear that Rohit Sharma is no longer in Gambhir’s plans, having scored just one second-innings half-century in eight Tests this season.”
Rohit Sharma’s dismal batting form has been a major concern. Across five innings in the series, he has managed just 31 runs with scores of 3, 6, 10, 3, and 9, averaging a mere 6.20—the lowest by a visiting captain on Australian soil.
His struggles were apparent during the final practice session, where he arrived late, batted for 30 minutes, and appeared out of sorts, frequently missing straight deliveries.
Reports suggest that a post-training meeting involving Gambhir, Bumrah, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar resulted in the decision to “rest” Rohit—a term often used in Indian cricket as a euphemism for being dropped.
Rohit’s absence in the series opener in Perth due to paternity leave saw Bumrah lead India to a dominant 295-run victory. However, Australia retaliated with comprehensive wins in Adelaide and Melbourne to secure a 2-1 lead heading into the decider.
As India looks to overturn their fortunes in Sydney, questions linger not just about team strategy but also about the dynamics within the leadership group. With the stakes at an all-time high, the final Test promises to be a defining moment for both the team and its captain.