Sydney Test: Rohit Sharma Left Out Amid Controversy
Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir has reportedly turned down a request to include Rohit Sharma in the playing XI for the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The decision comes as speculation over Rohit’s form and future in Test cricket continues to grow, particularly after a dismal series in Australia.
Rohit’s Struggles in the Series
Rohit Sharma, who managed just 31 runs at an average of 6.20 during the series, has faced mounting criticism for his performances. This series marked his worst-ever return as a touring captain in Australia. As a result, Shubman Gill has been named as his replacement, with KL Rahul expected to partner Gill as the opener for the Sydney Test.
Conflicting Reports About Rohit’s Exit
Earlier, reports suggested that Rohit had voluntarily opted out of the playing XI, informing head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar of his decision. However, a separate report from the PTI revealed a different narrative, stating that Gambhir made the final call to drop the 37-year-old, prioritizing India’s chances of winning in Sydney and staying in contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The report also mentioned that an influential BCCI official had requested Gambhir to allow Rohit to play the Sydney Test as a farewell game. However, Gambhir reportedly declined, focusing on team performance and the importance of the series decider.
Gambhir’s Comments at the Pre-Match Conference
At the pre-match press conference in Sydney, Gambhir, standing in for Rohit, was tight-lipped about the captain’s absence.
“Everything is fine with Rohit. The head coach is here, and that should suffice. We will assess the pitch and announce the playing XI tomorrow,” Gambhir said when asked why Rohit skipped the media interaction.
When further questioned about Rohit’s place in the lineup, Gambhir reiterated, “We’ll take a final look at the wicket and decide the XI tomorrow. The answer remains the same.”
Rohit’s Absence Fuels Speculation
Although Rohit was seen at the nets on the eve of the Test, his absence from slip cordon drills during a fielding session at the Sydney Cricket Ground added to the speculation.
Conclusion
As India prepares for the series decider, Gambhir’s decision to focus on the team’s prospects rather than individual milestones highlights his intent to prioritize victory. With the stakes high, India aims not only to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also to keep their WTC final hopes alive.
