Rohit Dropped, Nitish Reddy To Replace Kohli At 4; India's Strongest XI For 5th Test vs Australia

Rohit, Kohli should be dropped for SCG Test [Source: AP]

After securing an emphatic victory in the first Test against Australia at Perth Stadium, India failed to sustain their momentum, incurring a crushing defeat in the pink ball Test in Adelaide. Despite outclassing India across departments, Australia could only manage a draw in the rain-marred third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Brisbane. 

India's underwhelming performance in the Melbourne Test can be attributed to their horrendous batting in the first innings. While youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy showcased their mettle once again, the talismanic duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma faltered yet again, letting the tourists down for another time on the tour. 

While Rohit averages only 11.07 in his last 14 Test innings, Kohli has had a prolonged five-year rough patch in the purest format. Statistically, the legendary Indian batter averages just over 31 in Tests since 2020. So, considering his run-scoring rut, the Indian team management should move on from the Delhi-born batter and give the youngsters an opportunity to showcase their skills at the highest level. 

Therefore, as Rohit and Virat Kohli continue to struggle in Tests, here's India's strongest possible combination for the all-important fifth Test at Sydney Cricket Ground. 

Rohit Sharma Out, KL Rahul Should Open At SCG

Experienced Indian batter KL Rahul has been exceptional as a top-order batter in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Karnataka batter opened the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the Perth Test, as the duo added a mammoth partnership in Rohit Sharma's absence. 

However, as the Indian captain rejoined the team, he dropped KL Rahul down to number three, taking up his spot as an opener after failing as a middle-order batter in the Gabba Test. This move backfired on India as well as Rahul, disrupting the visitors' batting order and costing them big in the Boxing Day Test. 

So, it won't make any sense for Rohit to play the final Test, as the Indian captain has received a lot of flak for his batting and captaincy. Therefore, it will be more beneficial for India if Rohit steps down and Bumrah leads the team at SCG. 

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Gill Back Into XI, Reddy To Replace Kohli At 4

Like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli has also turned himself into a walking wicket. He is short of runs as well as confidence, as the Aussies have repeatedly exploited his woes outside the off stump. So, as Kohli doesn't give the confidence as a reliable batter, he should be replaced by someone like Nitish Reddy, who has the capability to succeed at four, thanks to his superb technique. 

The Hyderabad all-rounder once again starred with the bat for India, playing a magnificent knock under pressure at MCG. So, we believe that India can maximise his immense potential as a batter by promoting him up the order. On the other hand, if Rohit Sharma indeed decides to step down after the MCG Test, Shubman Gill should return to the playing XI and bat at his usual number three position. 

No Place For Siraj, Harshit Rana In? 

Despite India giving him so many chances, Mohammed Siraj has been nothing short of a disappointment on the Australian tour. Siraj's economy has been a concern for India in this BGT, as the hosts have capitalised on his erratic lines throughout the series. So, considering his inconsistency, India should bring either Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna, who can ensure flexibility in the lineup as hit-the-deck bowlers. 

India's Strongest Playing XI For 5th Test

KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Nitish Reddy, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah (C), Akash Deep, Harshit Rana/Prasidh Krishna

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