Fri Jan 03 01:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Rohit Sharma Dropped From India’s Playing XI in Sydney Test: A First for Indian Cricket
**Sydney, Australia** – In a stunning development, Rohit Sharma, captain of the Indian cricket team, has been dropped from the playing XI for the fifth and final Test match against Australia in Sydney. This marks the first time in Indian cricket history that a captain has been compelled to remove himself from the team mid-series.
While the official statement cites “rest” as the reason for Sharma’s absence, widespread speculation points to his poor recent form both as a batsman and captain. His scores have been abysmal in recent matches, with only 164 runs in eight Tests since September, including a single half-century and just 18 runs in his last 10 innings. His captaincy decisions, particularly the controversial team selection and batting order changes in the Melbourne Test, have also drawn significant criticism.
Sharma’s omission has led to Jasprit Bumrah taking over the captaincy in Sydney, and Shubman Gill replacing Sharma in the playing XI. This unprecedented move makes Sharma the first Indian captain to be dropped from a series mid-way through. While previous instances exist in international cricket, such as Misbah-ul-Haq’s self-removal from a Pakistan ODI series and Dinesh Chandimal’s withdrawal from Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup matches, this is a landmark event for India.
Sharma’s absence is further complicated by his earlier missed match in Perth due to the birth of his second child. His return saw him demoted to number six, then a controversial return to the opening position with the dropping of Shubman Gill in Melbourne where he scored only 3 and 9 in the two innings. The Sydney Test will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment in his career, and the Indian team’s performance without their regular captain will be closely watched.
First Piper 