Rohit Sharma’s Test career appears to be at a crossroads as speculation grows about his exclusion from the fifth and final Test against Australia, set to begin on Friday. Rohit has struggled with form throughout the series, scoring just 31 runs in five innings. Head coach Gautam Gambhir’s reluctance to confirm Rohit’s participation has added to the uncertainty.
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Rohit’s difficulties with extra bounce and seam movement have invited sharp criticism, raising doubts about his leadership. When asked about the playing XI, Gambhir stated, “We will take a call on the playing XI after looking at the pitch.” If dropped, Rohit would become the first Indian captain to lose his spot due to poor performance.
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s standout performer in the series with 30 wickets at an average of under 20, is expected to take over the captaincy if Rohit is sidelined. Under Bumrah’s leadership, India secured their only win of the series in the opening Test in Perth.
If Rohit does not feature in the Sydney Test, it is likely that his last appearance as a Test batter came earlier this week at the MCG. Gambhir’s emphasis on performance as the sole criterion for team selection has left little room for sentiment. “Indian cricket’s transition is in safe hands
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