India head coach Gautam Gambhir has left doubts over Rohit Sharma's participation in the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney.
Despite India needing a victory to level the series, Gambhir refrained from confirming whether the out-of-form skipper would feature in the playing XI.
During the pre-match press conference ahead of the fifth Test, Gambhir was questioned about Rohit's availability, as the captain had been notably absent.
"The head coach is here. That should be enough," Gambhir said when asked why Rohit did not attend the press conference, explaining the absence by referencing past precedents when Shubman Gill spoke for the captain in Brisbane.
Rohit, who has been struggling with the bat, was present at the SCG on the day of the press conference but was notably late to the practice session, which was optional. While the rest of the team had already begun training, Rohit only made his way to the nets after a long delay, where he participated in a light 40-minute session facing throwdowns.
When pressed about Rohit’s fitness and whether he would play in the crucial match, Gambhir offered little clarity. "Everything is fine with Rohit," the coach reassured. However, he further added, "We’re going to have a look at the wicket and finalise the XI tomorrow." The indecisive answer fuelled speculation about the captain’s involvement.
Rohit’s form has been a concern throughout the series. He has averaged just 6.2 in the four innings played so far, with a total of only 31 runs in the series. His struggles continued in Melbourne, where despite some solid defensive play, he was dismissed for a risky flick shot.
His batting inconsistency has led to rumours that he could retire after the Sydney Test. While the captain has not publicly confirmed this, the media has speculated that he could step down or leave the red-ball format altogether, given his poor form and the growing demands of his white-ball commitments.
India’s chances of drawing the series hinge on a victory in the Sydney Test. To keep their slim World Test Championship final hopes alive, they must win the match and hope Australia fails to win their upcoming Tests against Sri Lanka. With the series at a 2-1 deficit, the result in Sydney is critical for both the team’s future and Rohit’s captaincy.
On the field, the atmosphere is tense as India looks to salvage the series. Gambhir, however, kept his focus on the team’s preparations. He revealed that Akash Deep would miss the Test due to a back injury, but no immediate replacement was named.
While the team's batting line-up remains a point of contention, there are already signs that Shubman Gill, who was dropped for the Melbourne Test, might make a return to the side. The selectors are also reportedly considering changes in the middle order, with players like Dhruv Jurel and Tanush Kotian looking to prove their worth in the nets.
Rohit’s absence from the pre-match press conference and his delayed arrival at training have added to the intrigue, but the team’s final decision on his place in the XI will come after assessing conditions at the SCG and conducting a final review of his form.
According to reports from The Indian Express, Gambhir lost his temper in the dressing room, reportedly saying, “Bahut ho gaya (I’ve had enough)” in response to what he perceived as a lack of discipline and failure to follow the team's strategies.
Gambhir, who had previously led India to commendable victories over Sri Lanka and New Zealand, expressed disappointment that the players were not executing the plans set out for the series. His frustration stems from several key dismissals during the Melbourne Test, including that of Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma.
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