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With the final test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 ready to start at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on January 3, 2025, India is gearing up to make critical changes to its line-up. After a heavy loss in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, these adjustments are seen as essential to revitalize the team’s strategy and increase their chances of leveling the series.
These are the two changes India make in their playing XI
1) Rohit Sharma will miss the SCG event
the captain of india, Rohit Sharmanot available for the fifth test. vice captain jasprit bumrah will act as leader in Rohit’s absence. In what may signal the end of his Test career, Rohit’s participation in future matches remains uncertain, with some sources suggesting that Rohit has already played his last Test (in Melbourne) unless the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) intervenes to ask him to play again.
Shubman Gill he is expected to take Rohit’s place in the playing eleven, slotting in at number 3. The starting positions will be filled by KL Rahul i Yashasvi Jaiswal. Despite being present in Sydney for the team’s last practice session, Rohit was not seen actively participating in the net. Instead, he was spotted conversing with coaches, including the head coach Gautam Gambhir and Bumrah, instead of participating in the team’s regular drills.
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2) Akash Deep ruled out due to a stiff back
In a second forced change, pacer Akash Deep has been ruled out of the next Test due to a stiff back. Akash, who has played in the first two Tests in Brisbane and Melbourne, took five wickets in his limited-overs appearances. The 28-year-old right-arm fast bowler has already bowled an intense 87.5 overs in the series, which could have contributed to his injury.
With Akash unavailable, the Indian team is now considering bringing in either of them Harshit Ranaknown for its raw rhythm, or Prasidh Krishnawhich offers a blend of experience and precision. The two players bring different strengths, and the team’s management will have to assess the best fit for the crucial encounter.
