Fri Jan 03 03:49:44 UTC 2025: ## Triple Fatality in Palamu Fog Collision; Rohit Sharma Benched for Final Australia Test
**Palamu, India** – Three passengers died and dozens were injured in a head-on collision between a bus and a truck in Palamu, India, caused by dense fog. Details regarding the injured are still emerging.
**Sydney, Australia** – India’s captain Rohit Sharma has been rested for the final Test match against Australia in Sydney. His absence follows a string of poor batting performances and consecutive losses under his captaincy. In his last eight matches, Sharma averaged a mere 10.93 runs, failing to score above 10 runs in any innings during the Australia tour. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team in his stead.
While Sharma boasts a 50% win rate in his 24 Test matches as captain (12 wins, 9 losses, 3 draws), his overseas record is significantly weaker, with only 2 wins out of 8 matches. This includes a loss in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s. His recent poor form culminated in a 3-0 clean sweep loss to New Zealand at home earlier this year, India’s first home series defeat in 12 years. Speculation surrounding his removal intensified after a reportedly stern meeting with coach Gautam Gambhir following the Melbourne Test. Sharma confirmed his absence from the Sydney Test himself.
**Other News:** The BJP announced that Manohar Lal Khattar will take on responsibilities related to Bihar.
First Piper 