Sydney, January 2, 2025: Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir was reluctant to speak if captain Rohit Sharma would feature in the playing XI, as the Indian cricket team gets ready for the deciding fifth Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
This news came in at a time when speculation was rife about Sharma retiring from Test cricket, having had a run of low scores.
Uncertainty Over Rohit Sharma’s Selection
In a press conference before the match, Gambhir stated that the final decision concerning Sharma’s playing would be made upon observing the pitch conditions at the SCG, adding that the selection would be based on the players’ current form and the needs of the team.
“After assessing the pitch, we will weigh in on the playing XI. All decisions are made looking for the benefit of the team,” said Gambhir.
Rohit Sharma’s Recent Form
Sharma, 37, has had a horrible season, managing 31 runs from three Tests, averaging just 6.20. His form is in serious question for the team trailing 2-1 in the Border-Gavaskar series. For India, winning at Sydney means staying in the hunt for the ICC World Test Championship trophy, and though it is very slim, they must meet conditions to qualify for the final.
Retirement Speculations
The speculation around Sharma’s form for the better part of this season has fueled rumors of his retirement from Test cricket. These reports suggested that a senior Domicile administrator approached Gambhir to allow Sharma’s feat to be a farewell match in Sydney.
Gambhir’s noncommittal reaction denotes perhaps, a focus on the team’s performance rather than on an individual farewell.
To make matters worse, murmurs of internal fighting have also picked up traction. The abrupt retirement of veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the middle of the series, should it land, begs the larger question of the morale and unity of the team.
Possible Changes in the Playing XI
Should Sharma be found wanting for the playing XI, Shubman Gill is slated to open the innings along with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Gill is in outstanding form, which should mean a stronger top-order for India, unhappily hit and miss throughout the series.
There are also murmurs about including young guns like Nitish Kumar Reddy, who, like Webster, could help hold up the batting order.
Australian Team Standpoint and Series Background
With Australia up two-one in the series, only a draw will see them reclaim their Border-Gavaskar Trophy from the series. The hosts are coming in with some serious momentum, introducing debutant Beau Webster at the expense of veteran Mitch Marsh, signaling intent to continue on a roll.
The SCG Test is set to either determine the series winner or shake hands with the curtain on aging heroes of Indian cricket. Attention is on whether Rohit Sharma shall be picked in the squad as fans and analysts await the final team announcement, or Team Management would prefer a combination-only-for-the-win team that would be clearly unencumbered by factors of sentiment and legacy.
