Rohit Sharma has officially opted out of the fifth and final Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, scheduled to take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 3, 2025. This decision was communicated to head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who have both reportedly agreed to this move.
Rohit Sharma’s Performance in BGT 2024/25
Batting Average: Rohit has struggled significantly, averaging just 6.20 across five innings, with a total of only 31 runs and a highest score of 10 His scores in the series have been 6,3,10,9 and 3.
Recent Matches: In the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, he failed to score in double digits in both innings, which has intensified discussions about his potential retirement from Test cricket.
Rohit Sharma’s absence comes amid a series of poor performances, where he has averaged just 6.20 runs in the ongoing series, raising questions about his form and leadership. His decision to step aside appears to be a strategic choice, allowing Jasprit Bumrah, the vice-captain, to take over the captaincy for this crucial match.
Historical Performance at Sydney
Historically, Rohit Sharma has played only two Tests at the SCG, scoring a total of 170 runs at an average of 42.50, including two half-centuries. However, his recent form contrasts sharply with these past performances.
Gambhir during Press Conference
Gambhir’s comments during a press conference reflected uncertainty regarding Sharma’s role, stating that the final decision about the playing XI would be made after assessing the pitch conditions on match day. This ambiguity has fueled speculation about potential unrest within the team and Sharma’s future in Test cricket.
Also Read: Who will become the captain of the test team after Rohit Sharma?
In Sharma’s absence, the likely composition of India’s playing XI includes notable players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli, with Prasidh Krishna stepping in for the injured Akash Deep.