As per an Indian Express report, the Indian team is likely to field without their regular captain Rohit Sharma in the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Jasprit Bumrah, who led the side in Perth is likely to fill the void as the captain with Prasidh Krishna to replace injured Akash Deep.
The speculations regarding Rohit’s future in Test cricket seem gloomy after reports circulated on his absence for the fifth Test. It has been learned that the Mumbaikar has asked head coach Gautam Gambhir and Chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar to opt out from the last Test.
In Rohit’s absence, Bumrah, who led the Men in Blue in their only victory of the series in Perth, will take charge of captaincy. Shubman Gill, who was ‘unlucky’ to miss out of the last Test will return to the XI and bat at No. 3. In this case, India are likely to go back to the stable opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. In addition, Karnataka pacer Krishna is likely to replace Akash Deep who injured a stiff back. Since his debut against South Africa in Centurion, the tall, lanky pacer played just a couple of red-ball games, picking up as many wickets.
It won’t be surprising if the speculations turn out true as Rohit has been underwhelming with the bat in the particular format. He averages a mere 10.9 in his last nine games and 6.3 in the ongoing series.
