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Rohit Sharma Withdraws Himself From 5th Test Vs Australia; Jasprit Bumrah To Captain India

Rohit Sharma will miss IND vs AUS 5th Test (Source: AP Photos)Rohit Sharma will miss IND vs AUS 5th Test (Source: AP Photos)

In a groundbreaking development, Rohit Sharma has decided to take a rest from India’s fifth and final Test against Australia, set to take place at Sydney Cricket Ground. The 37-year-old, who is having a rough phase, has agreed with head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar to make the decision, as reported by The Indian Express.

In Rohit's absence, Shubman Gill will return to playing XI, while Jasprit Bumrah will don the captain's hat yet again. Side by side, KL Rahul will be back at the top of the order, opening with Yashasvi Jaiswal, followed by Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant.

"The Indian Express understands that Rohit has informed coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar of his decision to opt-out. The duo, it is learnt, have agreed," the report read.

It is important to understand that this Sydney Test will be India’s last red-ball affair in this ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. If the BCCI decides not to keep him in the next WTC cycle, the Melbourne Boxing Day Test could be his last appearance in whites.

"During training on match eve, Gambhir was seen having long, intense conversations with Bumrah while the fielding drills were going on. Rohit made a brief appearance at the nets and batted with side-arm bowlers — he, in fact, was among the last to walk in for practice. He was also missing during the routine slip practice sessions," the report further explained.

Did Gambhir Give Hints To Drop Rohit Sharma From Sydney Test?

Meanwhile, head coach Gautam Gambhir earlier gave multiple hints during the press conference that Rohit might not play the Sydney Test. And now, with the news coming, it will be interesting to see if India get back to their best in the absence of their all-format captain.

Having 1-2 down, India must win the fifth and final Test against Australia in Sydney to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.