AUS vs IND: Here’s why Rohit Sharma is not playing the Sydney Test

Rohit Sharmathe captain of the Indian cricket team, does not play fifth and final Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), a decision that has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. The match, which started at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday morning (January 3) is crucial for India as they trail 2-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

Reasons for Rohit Sharma’s absence

The main reason for Rohit’s absence is his constant struggle with form. Throughout the series, he has managed to score just 31 runs in five innings at an average of just 6.20. His disappointing performance has put him under significant pressure, leading to speculation about his place in the team. Given these circumstances, Rohit has opted to rest for this match, a decision that was confirmed by stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah during the toss.

Bumrah stressed that Rohit’s choice to sit out reflects a commitment to the overall well-being of the team. “Our captain has shown leadership by choosing to rest this game,” said Bumrah. “It shows that there is a lot of unity in this team. There is no selfishness; We’re focused on what’s best for the team.” This statement underscores the team’s collective focus in the midst of individual struggles.

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After winning the toss and opting to bat, Bumrah also confirmed that Akash Deep missed the game due to injury.

“We look to bat first. We played some good cricket. The last game was exciting. The grass doesn’t look spicy. We have always learned to digest defeats,” he added. “We have two changes. Rohit has opted out and Prasidh comes in for the injured Akash Deep.

Rohit’s decision to step back is particularly noteworthy as it marks him as the first Indian captain to voluntarily walk out of a Test match due to poor form. This unprecedented move highlights the pressures senior players face in high-stakes situations. Captains have traditionally been reluctant to step aside, often playing through dips in form.

AUS vs IND 5th Test: Playing XI of both teams

Australia: Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat KohliRishabh Pant (week), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah (c), Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj

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