BGT 2024-25: Rohit Sharma opts out of Sydney test, Jasprit Bumrah to lead - Reports

Rohit Sharma has scored only 31 runs in the BGT 2024-25.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 has taken a dramatic turn, with speculations surrounding the Indian Cricket Team intensifying following their defeat in Melbourne.

It began with media reports suggesting a rift within the Indian dressing room. According to these reports, head coach Gautam Gambhir issued a strong warning to the players, instructing them to stick to the pre-decided strategies. Any failure to comply, he reportedly warned, could lead to exclusion from the team.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and veteran batsman Virat Kohli have been the subject of discussion with many suggesting that it could be last test series of their career. Rohit has managed just 31 runs across three matches, while Kohli has continued to struggle against the outside off stump deliveries.

A new report has surfaced ahead of the fifth and final test of the series in Sydney regarding the make-up of the Indian team.

Rohit Sharma opts out of Sydney test, Jasprit Bumrah to lead

According to a report by The Indian Express, Rohit Sharma has decided to “rest” for the Sydney test. The Indian captain has reportedly communicated his decision to head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, who are said to have agreed to his request.

Rohit’s absence in Sydney could mark the end of his test career, with the Melbourne match potentially being his last test for India. The New Year’s test is India’s final match in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle unless they qualify for the final.

Rohit has scored only 31 runs in three tests on this tour with a highest score of 10. He’s been in a terrible rut in test cricket since the home season. In 15 innings of the eight tests against Bangladesh, New Zealand and Australia, Sharma has scored 164 runs at an average of merely 10.93 with only one score of over 30.

Looking ahead, the management is expected to focus on look upon fresh talent for the next WTC cycle, which will end in 2027.

Reports suggest that Jasprit Bumrah will captain India in the Sydney test, with pacer Prasidh Krishna and opener Shubman Gill set to replace Rohit Sharma and the injured Akash Deep in the playing XI.

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