Rohit Sharma to be DROPPED from Indian squad for Sydney Test? Practice session gives rise to Speculations

Head coach Gautam Gambhir has not spoken about Rohit being potentially dropped from the playing XI, India's practice session dropped a hint as Rohit did not participate in the net sessions.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma might get dropped from the Playing XI for the firth Test against Australia in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The theory came out after head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to confirm Rohit’s place in the XI. When questioned about Rohit’s absence in the pre-match conference and whether he will feature in the XI, Gambhir stated that the presence of a coach should be enough, adding that the XI will be announced after a look is taken at the pitch.

Rohit Sharma has secured just 31 runs in the three Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which has caused outrage against the captain along with calls growing louder for change. Though the coach stayed quiet on the captain’s potential cut-off from the XI, India’s practice session has also dropped a few hints. Rohit Sharma was not practicing slip catching, as Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Nitish Kumar Reddy were taking the charge.

Rohit Sharma not part of the potentially new-look slip cordon. With Kohli at first, KL at second and Reddy at third. While Shubman Gill was taking catches at slip for a spinner. The massive intrigue of Indian cricket #AusvInd pic.twitter.com/aynUip01Om

— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) January 2, 2025

Another point that hinted Rohit’s exclusion was his absence from the net session. While players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja did come out to bat, Rohit was nowhere to be seen. If Rohit Sharma gets dropped, Shubman Gill is the player who will most likely replace him in the XI.

If Rohit misses out a place at the Sydney match, Jasprit Bumrah will be the player to lead the side in the final Test. Bumrah earlier led the team in the series opener in Perth, where India won by 295 runs. India is currently behind in the series 2-1 and must win this upcoming Test to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. A victory in the Sydney Test is also going to keep their hopes alive for a chance in the World Test Championship (WTC) finals.

About the Author

•