Sydney, January 2
Rohit Sharma, who is facing criticism for his bad pace and captaincy as a batsman, may have to sit out of the team in the fifth and final Test match against the hosts Australia starting on Friday. If Rohit does not play this match, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah can lead the team. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, however, has refused to confirm whether Rohit will be fielding for the toss on Friday morning.
When asked about Rohit’s current performance, Gambhir only said, “We will take a decision about the team after seeing the pitch.” Well, if that happens, Rohit will be the first captain to be dropped from the team due to poor rhythm. In the current series, he has managed to score only 31 runs in five innings so far. Although Gambhir did not reveal the team, there are indications that the Indian team may drop Shubman Gill at number three.
“This period of change in Indian cricket is in safe hands as long as there are honest people in the dressing room,” Gambhir said at the pre-match press conference. The only criterion to stay in the dressing room is performance.” Leading the Test series 2-1, the Australian team will be looking to win the final match to secure a place in the World Championship final. Speculations are being made that Dhruv Jurrell can be included in the team instead of Pant in the Sydney Test. Jurrell practiced with the senior players today. -News-Patiala
