Indian captain Rohit Sharma has been omitted from the playing XI for the crucial Sydney Test against Australia, starting Friday. The decision follows a prolonged slump in his Test form, sparking speculation about his future in red-ball cricket.
Sharma, 37, returned to lead the team after missing the series opener due to the birth of his second child. However, he struggled to find his rhythm, managing only 31 runs in five innings during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with a meager average of 6.20. His struggles extend to the broader season, where he has averaged just 24.76 across 14 matches in 2024.
Initially batting in the middle order, Sharma moved to the top in Melbourne, which saw Shubman Gill dropped. However, the change didn’t spark a turnaround, and his lackluster performances, coupled with mounting criticism, prompted his exclusion for the final Test. Reports suggest this could mark the end of Sharma’s Test career, with Jasprit Bumrah stepping in as captain.
India will look to bounce back after a mixed series under Bumrah’s leadership, which started with a commanding win but faltered in subsequent games. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are set to open, with Gill returning at No. 3. Prasidh Krishna replaces the injured Akash Deep, while Mohammed Siraj’s spot remains uncertain.
As India eyes the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Sharma’s omission signals a decisive shift, reflecting the team’s focus on form and future prospects.
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