Thu Jan 02 10:56:23 UTC 2025: ## Rohit Sharma’s Place in Doubt as India Faces Crucial Sydney Test

**Sydney, Australia –** Uncertainty surrounds Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s participation in the crucial fifth and final Test against Australia, starting Friday at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Coach Gautam Gambhir’s evasive responses regarding Sharma’s inclusion in the playing XI have fueled speculation about the opener’s future in Test cricket.

Gambhir repeatedly stated that the team’s selection would depend on pitch conditions, a highly unusual response given a captain’s usual automatic inclusion. This ambiguity, coupled with former Bengal wicketkeeper Shreevats Goswami’s suggestion – based on a video – that Shubman Gill might captain the side, has intensified the rumors.

Sharma’s recent form has been a cause for concern, with a meager 31 runs in his last two innings after missing the Perth Test due to the birth of his child. His average of 6.20 further adds to the uncertainty surrounding his position.

While Gambhir dismissed concerns about Sharma’s fitness and confirmed that fast bowler Akash Deep is out with a back injury, he remained tight-lipped about a potential replacement and Sharma’s presence in the team.

India, trailing 2-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, desperately needs a win in Sydney to keep their World Test Championship final hopes alive. Even victory will require Australia to lose or draw both their upcoming Tests in Sri Lanka to secure India’s place in the Lord’s summit clash.

Australia, on the other hand, enters the match with a renewed lineup, aiming to clinch the series victory. The upcoming match promises to be a high-stakes encounter with the future of India’s Test captaincy hanging in the balance.

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