1st Time For India! Rohit Sharma Joins Rare List Of Captains After Opting Out Of 5th Test

Rohit Sharma In Test Cricket [Source: AP Photos]

India and Australia are playing against each other in the fifth and final Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. This match is being played at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, Australia.

The series stands at daggers drawn between the two teams. Australia have a 2-1 lead in the series and will be looking to seal the deal with a win in this game. On the other hand, India will be keen on winning the game to draw levels and retain the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

Besides, the series being on the the line a place in the final of the WTC is also on the line. The team that wins the match will earn a place in the summit clash of the WTC 2023-25 cycle. So, both the teams are expected to give their best to secure their place against South Africa at The Lord's.

Notably, India won the toss for the Sydney Test and opted to bat first. Looking at the grass cover on the pitch it looked like a surprising decision. However, the Indian fans were more surprised by the fact that Jasprit Bumrah walked out for the coin flip instead of the regular skipper Rohit Sharma.

Reportedly, Rohit Sharma has decided to rest himself for the game keeping in mind the team composition. With this Rohit has become the first Indian skipper to rest himself from the playing XI mid-series. This is also only the fourth time it has happed in the history of international cricket. 

Instances In International Cricket When The Captain Dropped Himself Mid-series

Misbah-ul-Haq - In 2014, the then Pakistani skipper dropped himself for the third ODI match of the series agains Australia. Shahid Afridi was seen captaining in his place. 

Dinesh Chandimal - In 2014 T20 World Cup, Dinesh Chandimal rested himself for the last three matches of the tournament including the semi-final and final. Sri Lankan legend, Lasith Malinga was seen captaining the side during these three games. 

Mike Denness - Mike Denness rested himself for the fourth Test of The Ashes 1974. In his John Edrich was seen leading the team.

Rohit Sharma - The Indian skipper Rohit Sharma becomes the fourth skipper in the history of the game to drop himself mid-series. Jasprit Bumrah has taken up the leadership in his place for the final match of the BGT 2024-25.

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