Indian captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar took over two and a half hours before announcing the ODI squad for the England series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Saturday during a presser in Mumbai. Although several hits and misses of that announcement have made headlines all over, what stood out was Rohit&rsquo;s take on BCCI&rsquo;s new ten-point policy document.
In the wake of India&rsquo;s horror show in the past two Test series, having lost six out of the eight contested Tests (three against New Zealand at home and as many to Australia Down Under), the BCCI, following a high-profile meeting early this week, released this policy document, with restrictions over player&rsquo;s wives or partners from accompanying them throughout the away tours being one of them.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/chief-selector-ajit-agarkar-explains-karun-nairs-snub-from-indias-champions-trophy-2025-squad-8632946" rel="dofollow">Agarkar explains Karun Nair&rsquo;s snub from India&rsquo;s Champions Trophy squad</a>
Meanwhile, before the presser began, Rohit (and Agarkar), who was settling down while arranging his microphones, was caught off guard telling Agarkar about how he plans to talk to the new BCCI secretary over relaxing the rule around player&rsquo;s partners&rsquo; travel restriction, as everyone&rsquo;s been calling him about the same.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I will have to sit (with BCCI officials) for one or one and a half hours after this. Will have to sit with the secretary to discuss regarding all this family and all, all are saying to me&hellip;," Rohit said to Agarkar ahead of the presser.
<h3>Watch -</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m625ntxw-0xmhr66t-jubex5ke">
Rohit Sharma on the BCCI policies: "After the PC, we have to discuss family rules, all the players are calling me". 🤣 He didn't know the mic was on 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/Xx7purPCp5">pic.twitter.com/Xx7purPCp5</a>
&mdash; Kuljot (@Ro45Kuljot) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ro45Kuljot/status/1880554960334852600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>&lsquo;Restriction&rsquo;</h2>
Per the BCCI new policy document, wives or partners can stay up to 14 days on a long tour, with that reduced to half (seven days) on the shorter ones.&nbsp; Among the other mentioned policies, travelling together as a team and staying in the same hotel, unlike how a few players travelling alongside their families requested to stay elsewhere on the long tours, are included.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bumrah-shami-return-to-15-man-india-squad-for-champions-trophy-karun-nair-misses-out-8632588" rel="dofollow">India squad for Champions Trophy 2025 announced; Bumrah, Shami return</a>
&ldquo;Players these days have their families around along with a big entourage. Some have even requested to stay in different hotels, and a few have made their own travel arrangements within the country. These players are barely seen with the rest of the team. The board is contemplating restricting the length of stay for families to two weeks on a lengthy tour," a BCCI source had said, as quoted by the Times of India.
Meanwhile, Rohit will lead the Indian Team for the England ODIs and in the ICC Champions Trophy starting next month.
Here is India&rsquo;s Champions Trophy squad &ndash;
Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Although several hits and misses of that announcement made headlines all over, what stood out was Rohit’s take on BCCI’s new ten-point policy document.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar took over two and a half hours before announcing the ODI squad for the England series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Saturday during a presser in Mumbai. Although several hits and misses of that announcement have made headlines all over, what stood out was Rohit’s take on BCCI’s new ten-point policy document. In the wake of India’s horror show in the past two Test series, having lost six out of the eight contested Tests (three against New Zealand at home and as many to Australia Down Under), the BCCI, following a high-profile meeting early this week, released this policy document, with restrictions over player’s wives or partners from accompanying them throughout the away tours being one of them. Also read | Agarkar explains Karun Nair’s snub from India’s Champions Trophy squad Meanwhile, before the presser began, Rohit (and Agarkar), who was settling down while arranging his microphones, was caught off guard telling Agarkar about how he plans to talk to the new BCCI secretary over relaxing the rule around player’s partners’ travel restriction, as everyone’s been calling him about the same. “I will have to sit (with BCCI officials) for one or one and a half hours after this. Will have to sit with the secretary to discuss regarding all this family and all, all are saying to me…," Rohit said to Agarkar ahead of the presser. Watch - Rohit Sharma on the BCCI policies: "After the PC, we have to discuss family rules, all the players are calling me". 🤣 He didn't know the mic was on 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Xx7purPCp5 — Kuljot (@Ro45Kuljot) January 18, 2025 ‘Restriction’ Per the BCCI new policy document, wives or partners can stay up to 14 days on a long tour, with that reduced to half (seven days) on the shorter ones. Among the other mentioned policies, travelling together as a team and staying in the same hotel, unlike how a few players travelling alongside their families requested to stay elsewhere on the long tours, are included. Also read | India squad for Champions Trophy 2025 announced; Bumrah, Shami return “Players these days have their families around along with a big entourage. Some have even requested to stay in different hotels, and a few have made their own travel arrangements within the country. These players are barely seen with the rest of the team. The board is contemplating restricting the length of stay for families to two weeks on a lengthy tour," a BCCI source had said, as quoted by the Times of India. Meanwhile, Rohit will lead the Indian Team for the England ODIs and in the ICC Champions Trophy starting next month. Here is India’s Champions Trophy squad – Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja (With inputs from agencies)

'I will have to sit with BCCI secretary...,' Rohit caught off guard during CT squad announcement presser - Watch

The BCCI has picked Jasprit Bumrah in India&rsquo;s 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced during a presser in Mumbai. His fellow seamer Mohammed Shami returned to the ODI team for the first time since the 2023 ODI World Cup Final, while the selectors have also named Rishabh Pant in the star-studded squad.
The surprise inclusion, however, is that of uncapped star opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.&nbsp;
<h2>India&rsquo;s 15-man squad for Champions Trophy &ndash;</h2>
Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh and Yashasvi Jaiswal
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-india-but-sunil-gavaskar-predicts-this-team-to-win-champions-trophy-2025-8632495" rel="dofollow">Not India, but Sunil Gavaskar predicts THIS team to win Champions Trophy 2025</a>
Meanwhile, this is also the same squad for England ODIs, with seamer Harshit Rana added as Bumrah&rsquo;s cover until the board and the selectors get a green signal from the NCA over his ailing back.
<h2>Gill &ndash; the new vice-captain</h2>
Among all the hits and misses, youngster Shubman Gill getting appointed new vice-captain raised a few eyebrows. Even despite seasoned campaigners KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya around, with Pandya holding that post some time back, Gill&rsquo;s promotion to being Rohit&rsquo;s deputy is the sign of things to come in Indian cricket.
However, contrary to that is the absence of batter Karun Nair from the squad, who has been making all the right noises in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, averaging a whopping 752, including hitting five centuries thus far.
The selectors have picked Rishabh Pant as the specialist keeper-batter, with doubts casting over Rahul&rsquo;s role as the gloveman in the side.&nbsp;
The decision-makers seem to have chosen a safer choice regarding naming the squad for the showpiece event, picking tried-and-tested players instead of recalling domestic performers.
<h2>Squad breakdown</h2>
Young Jaiswal earned his maiden India call-up for an ICC event, although he was picked as Gill&rsquo;s cover. Alongside him, Rohit and Shubman will play at the top, while Virat Kohli will play at number three.&nbsp;
The middle order consists of Shreyas Iyer, Rahul, Pant and lone seam-bowling all-rounder Pandya, with the selectors naming three spin-bowling all-rounders &ndash; Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.&nbsp;
In the pacers department, Bumrah will lead the attack, as Ajit revealed that he continues to recover from the back injury that ruled him out of action since leaving the field during the SCG Test, meaning his participation remains unclear. Shami and Arshdeep Singh made the cut, with the selectors overlooking workhorse Mohammed Siraj for the England ODIs and Champions Trophy.
India will play five T20Is against England starting January 22, with the three ODIs (on 6, 9 and 12) to follow.&nbsp;
India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh (on February 20) in Dubai.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Karun Nair, who has been making the right noises with his star show in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, has been overlooked, with the selectors naming Pant in the squad.

The BCCI has picked Jasprit Bumrah in India’s 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced during a presser in Mumbai. His fellow seamer Mohammed Shami returned to the ODI team for the first time since the 2023 ODI World Cup Final, while the selectors have also named Rishabh Pant in the star-studded squad. The surprise inclusion, however, is that of uncapped star opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. India’s 15-man squad for Champions Trophy – Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh and Yashasvi Jaiswal Also read | Not India, but Sunil Gavaskar predicts THIS team to win Champions Trophy 2025 Meanwhile, this is also the same squad for England ODIs, with seamer Harshit Rana added as Bumrah’s cover until the board and the selectors get a green signal from the NCA over his ailing back. Gill – the new vice-captain Among all the hits and misses, youngster Shubman Gill getting appointed new vice-captain raised a few eyebrows. Even despite seasoned campaigners KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya around, with Pandya holding that post some time back, Gill’s promotion to being Rohit’s deputy is the sign of things to come in Indian cricket. However, contrary to that is the absence of batter Karun Nair from the squad, who has been making all the right noises in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, averaging a whopping 752, including hitting five centuries thus far. The selectors have picked Rishabh Pant as the specialist keeper-batter, with doubts casting over Rahul’s role as the gloveman in the side. The decision-makers seem to have chosen a safer choice regarding naming the squad for the showpiece event, picking tried-and-tested players instead of recalling domestic performers. Squad breakdown Young Jaiswal earned his maiden India call-up for an ICC event, although he was picked as Gill’s cover. Alongside him, Rohit and Shubman will play at the top, while Virat Kohli will play at number three. The middle order consists of Shreyas Iyer, Rahul, Pant and lone seam-bowling all-rounder Pandya, with the selectors naming three spin-bowling all-rounders – Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. In the pacers department, Bumrah will lead the attack, as Ajit revealed that he continues to recover from the back injury that ruled him out of action since leaving the field during the SCG Test, meaning his participation remains unclear. Shami and Arshdeep Singh made the cut, with the selectors overlooking workhorse Mohammed Siraj for the England ODIs and Champions Trophy. India will play five T20Is against England starting January 22, with the three ODIs (on 6, 9 and 12) to follow. India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh (on February 20) in Dubai. (With inputs from agencies)

India squad for Champions Trophy 2025 announced; Bumrah, Shami return

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bcci" rel="dofollow">BCCI</a>) issued a statement on Friday (Jan 17) that the Indian squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and for the three-match ODI series against England will be announced on Saturday (Jan 18).
The Indian team captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma">Rohit Sharma</a> and chairman of selectors, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ajit-agarkar">Ajit Agarkar</a>, will address a press conference in Mumbai. The press conference will start at 12:30 PM after the announcement of the squad.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-news-india-champions-trophy-squad-do-karun-nair-sanju-samson-jaiswal-nitish-reddy-axar-patel-have-chance-8621652">2025 Champions Trophy: India's probable squad for tournament</a>
"The Men's Selection Committee will select India's squad for the IDFC First Bank ODI series against England and the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tomorrow in Mumbai. The Selection Meeting will be followed by a press conference, details of which are under," the BCCI statement read.
India will kick off their<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy"> Champions Trophy</a> 2025 campaign against Bangladesh on February 19 in Dubai which will be followed by a high-octane clash against their arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23. They will then lock horns with New Zealand on March 2.
With Rohit Sharma set to attend the press conference, any speculations on his possible exclusion are over. Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant should remain part of the Indian ODI set-up.
Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel will fight for a place as back-up wicketkeeper with the former being considered after showcasing his form in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.
The Men in Blue have won the Champions Trophy on two occasions in 2002 and 2013. In 2002 India shared the title with Sri Lanka while in 2013 they beat hosts England in the final. They had another opportunity to win the Champions Trophy in 2017 but lost to Pakistan in the final. &nbsp;

The Indian team captain Rohit Sharma and chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, will address a press conference in Mumbai. The press conference will start at 12:30 PM after the announcement of the squad. Sports. Cricket.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a statement on Friday (Jan 17) that the Indian squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and for the three-match ODI series against England will be announced on Saturday (Jan 18). The Indian team captain Rohit Sharma and chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, will address a press conference in Mumbai. The press conference will start at 12:30 PM after the announcement of the squad. Also Read: 2025 Champions Trophy: India's probable squad for tournament "The Men's Selection Committee will select India's squad for the IDFC First Bank ODI series against England and the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tomorrow in Mumbai. The Selection Meeting will be followed by a press conference, details of which are under," the BCCI statement read. India will kick off their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Bangladesh on February 19 in Dubai which will be followed by a high-octane clash against their arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23. They will then lock horns with New Zealand on March 2. With Rohit Sharma set to attend the press conference, any speculations on his possible exclusion are over. Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant should remain part of the Indian ODI set-up. Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel will fight for a place as back-up wicketkeeper with the former being considered after showcasing his form in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. The Men in Blue have won the Champions Trophy on two occasions in 2002 and 2013. In 2002 India shared the title with Sri Lanka while in 2013 they beat hosts England in the final. They had another opportunity to win the Champions Trophy in 2017 but lost to Pakistan in the final.

India squad for Champions Trophy 2025 to be announced on...

With the squad of the Indian team yet to be announced for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Indian skipper is likely to travel to Pakistan to take part in the opening ceremony, a standard practice for ICC events.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning a grand event, tentatively scheduled for February 16 or 17, subject to warm-up match fixtures.
"Indian Team captain will visit Pakistan to attend the opening ceremony of the Champions Trophy as PCB plans a grand event, marking the return of a mega international cricket event to Pakistan after a long hiatus of 29 years," said a report in news agency IANS.
Barring India and Pakistan, all other six teams have announced their squads for the mega event.
The eight-team event will feature Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand and South Africa, alongside hosts Pakistan.
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-news-india-champions-trophy-squad-do-karun-nair-sanju-samson-jaiswal-nitish-reddy-axar-patel-have-chance-8621652" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">2025 Champions Trophy: India's probable squad for tournament</a>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">India to play its matches at a neutral venue</h2>
India won't travel to Pakistan to play in the Champions Trophy despite the latter being announced as the hosts by the International Cricket Council. The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed that they have not received the required permission from the Indian government to send their team to Pakistan.
Due to India's reluctance, the tournament is set to be played in a hybrid format, with Pakistan hosting most of the matches, but all of India's group games and the first semi-final will be played in Dubai.
The tournament will begin on February 19 when the hosts Pakistan will take in New Zealand in Karachi. The highly anticipated India-Pakistan match will be held on February 23 in Dubai.
The final of the Champions Trophy will be played on March 9.

Sports, Cricket: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning a grand event tentatively scheduled for February 16 or 17, subject to warm-up match fixtures.

With the squad of the Indian team yet to be announced for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Indian skipper is likely to travel to Pakistan to take part in the opening ceremony, a standard practice for ICC events. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning a grand event, tentatively scheduled for February 16 or 17, subject to warm-up match fixtures. "Indian Team captain will visit Pakistan to attend the opening ceremony of the Champions Trophy as PCB plans a grand event, marking the return of a mega international cricket event to Pakistan after a long hiatus of 29 years," said a report in news agency IANS. Barring India and Pakistan, all other six teams have announced their squads for the mega event. The eight-team event will feature Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand and South Africa, alongside hosts Pakistan. ALSO READ | 2025 Champions Trophy: India's probable squad for tournament India to play its matches at a neutral venue India won't travel to Pakistan to play in the Champions Trophy despite the latter being announced as the hosts by the International Cricket Council. The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed that they have not received the required permission from the Indian government to send their team to Pakistan. Due to India's reluctance, the tournament is set to be played in a hybrid format, with Pakistan hosting most of the matches, but all of India's group games and the first semi-final will be played in Dubai. The tournament will begin on February 19 when the hosts Pakistan will take in New Zealand in Karachi. The highly anticipated India-Pakistan match will be held on February 23 in Dubai. The final of the Champions Trophy will be played on March 9.

Champions Trophy 2025: Indian skipper Rohit Sharma likely to visit Pakistan for opening ceremony - Reports

The last Test season has been nothing but a forgetful one for the Men in Blue. The Indian cricket team suffered a whitewash at home against New Zealand, followed by a 3-1 series loss in Australia.
India&rsquo;s batting concerns were at the forefront, with senior players like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a>, Rohit Sharma not performing well and many questioning if they still have fuel left in the tank.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/no-wags-travelling-together-in-team-bus-among-several-updates-in-bccis-new-mandate-8621027" rel="dofollow">No WAGs, travelling together among several updates in BCCI&rsquo;s mandate</a>
The duo&rsquo;s poor form has sparked a debate about whether they should return to domestic cricket to regain their touch. Several former cricketers, including Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan, have openly discussed the importance of playing domestic cricket when there&rsquo;s no international cricket.
<h2>Will Kohli show up for Delhi?</h2>
While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma">Rohit Sharma</a> was seen attending Mumbai&rsquo;s training camp at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday (Jan 14), Shubman Gill has reportedly made himself available for Punjab&rsquo;s sixth-round <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ranji-trophy">Ranji Trophy</a> (India's premier domestic tournament) match against Karnataka. He last played in the Ranji Trophy in 2022, when he played against Madhya Pradesh in the quarterfinals.
&ldquo;We have not received any sort of official communication from Virat Kohli on his availability for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season,&rdquo; a DDCA official told WION.
This comes after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed the players missing the domestic matches during the home season to give a valid reason, which will be reviewed by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) or their respective state association.
Interestingly, Kohli&rsquo;s last appearance in the Ranji Trophy was back in November 2012, for Delhi against Uttar Pradesh, where he scored 14 runs in the first innings and 43 runs in the second. Meanwhile, Rohit&rsquo;s last Ranji Trophy appearance for Mumbai was during the 2015/16 season against Uttar Pradesh. He played a brilliant knock of 113 runs off 140 balls.

Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli's poor form has sparked a debate whether they should return to domestic cricket to regain their touch with many former players backing the thought. cricket sports

The last Test season has been nothing but a forgetful one for the Men in Blue. The Indian cricket team suffered a whitewash at home against New Zealand, followed by a 3-1 series loss in Australia. India’s batting concerns were at the forefront, with senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma not performing well and many questioning if they still have fuel left in the tank. Also Read: No WAGs, travelling together among several updates in BCCI’s mandate The duo’s poor form has sparked a debate about whether they should return to domestic cricket to regain their touch. Several former cricketers, including Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan, have openly discussed the importance of playing domestic cricket when there’s no international cricket. Will Kohli show up for Delhi? While Rohit Sharma was seen attending Mumbai’s training camp at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday (Jan 14), Shubman Gill has reportedly made himself available for Punjab’s sixth-round Ranji Trophy (India's premier domestic tournament) match against Karnataka. He last played in the Ranji Trophy in 2022, when he played against Madhya Pradesh in the quarterfinals. “We have not received any sort of official communication from Virat Kohli on his availability for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season,” a DDCA official told WION. This comes after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directed the players missing the domestic matches during the home season to give a valid reason, which will be reviewed by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) or their respective state association. Interestingly, Kohli’s last appearance in the Ranji Trophy was back in November 2012, for Delhi against Uttar Pradesh, where he scored 14 runs in the first innings and 43 runs in the second. Meanwhile, Rohit’s last Ranji Trophy appearance for Mumbai was during the 2015/16 season against Uttar Pradesh. He played a brilliant knock of 113 runs off 140 balls.

As Rohit Sharma practices with Mumbai Ranji Trophy team, will Delhi see a Virat show?

The Indian Test captain Rohit Sharma is back to the drawing board after a horrid show Down Under. The veteran batter will train with Mumbai&rsquo;s Ranji Trophy team from Tuesday onwards, per the latest reports.
Following BCCI&rsquo;s informal advisory to all centrally contracted players to play Ranji Trophy unless injured or on national duty, Rohit returns to train with his state team ahead of their match against Jammu and Kashmir (on January 23) in Mumbai.
The sources close to the information have admitted that four national players &ndash; Rohit, Ajinkya Rahane, Suryakumar Yadav and Shardul Thakur will train with the Mumbai Ranji Team at the Wankhede on Tuesday, and later at the BKC on Wednesday and Thursday. This will lead to Rohit playing his first Ranji Trophy game in the longest time.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/shreyas-iyer-punjab-kings-first-indian-player-to-lead-three-ipl-teams-8618414" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: Shreyas Iyer creates unique record as Punjab Kings captain</a>
&ldquo;Rohit, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer (who was recently named as the Punjab Kings captain) and Shardul Thakur will train with the Mumbai team at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday and then at the BKC on Wednesday and Thursday. Rohit has told the MCA that he will come for practice. At the moment, there are all indications that he&rsquo;s keen to play the match versus J&amp;K," a source said in a chat with the Times of India (TOI).&nbsp;
<h2>Blow to Mumbai as duo ruled out of second-leg opener</h2>
Star players for Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy setup, batter Sarfaraz Khan and seamer Tushar Deshpande are both ruled out of the&nbsp;J&amp;K game at home with respective injuries.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/robin-uthappa-says-virat-kohli-didnt-like-ambati-rayudu-cut-him-from-indias-2019-odi-world-cup-team-8618519" rel="dofollow">Robin Uthappa says Virat Kohli 'didn't like' Ambati Rayudu, cut him from India's 2019 ODI World Cup team</a>
While Sarfaraz, picked for the tour Down Under (and didn&rsquo;t get to play any match) suffered a hairline fracture in his ribs, Deshpande continues to recover from the ankle injury, for which he underwent surgery on September 30 last year.
"He (Sarfaraz) suffered the injury while fielding during practice just a couple of days before the Indian team left Australia. After coming back to India, a scan showed that he had sustained a minor rib fracture, and he was advised a three-week complete rest by the doctor.&nbsp;
&ldquo;He is unlikely to play for Mumbai in their Ranji match against J&amp;K. In fact, he could miss the entire league stage of the tournament and be only fit by the knockouts," the source added.
<h3>What&rsquo;s next for Rohit?</h3>
Should Rohit play for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy, he will get some needed batting practice ahead of the three-match England ODIs and the first showpiece event of the year &ndash; the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled for the February-March window in Pakistan and the UAE.&nbsp;
Though the BCCI named a potent 15-man squad for five England T20Is starting January 22 in Kolkata, they are yet to announce the ODI teams for the two upcoming series.&nbsp;
Rohit will continue to lead India in the One-Day format.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, cricket: Four national players will train with the Mumbai Ranji Team at Wankhede and BKC three days straight ahead of the J&K game (on January 23) in Mumbai.

The Indian Test captain Rohit Sharma is back to the drawing board after a horrid show Down Under. The veteran batter will train with Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy team from Tuesday onwards, per the latest reports. Following BCCI’s informal advisory to all centrally contracted players to play Ranji Trophy unless injured or on national duty, Rohit returns to train with his state team ahead of their match against Jammu and Kashmir (on January 23) in Mumbai. The sources close to the information have admitted that four national players – Rohit, Ajinkya Rahane, Suryakumar Yadav and Shardul Thakur will train with the Mumbai Ranji Team at the Wankhede on Tuesday, and later at the BKC on Wednesday and Thursday. This will lead to Rohit playing his first Ranji Trophy game in the longest time. Also read | IPL 2025: Shreyas Iyer creates unique record as Punjab Kings captain “Rohit, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer (who was recently named as the Punjab Kings captain) and Shardul Thakur will train with the Mumbai team at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday and then at the BKC on Wednesday and Thursday. Rohit has told the MCA that he will come for practice. At the moment, there are all indications that he’s keen to play the match versus J&K," a source said in a chat with the Times of India (TOI). Blow to Mumbai as duo ruled out of second-leg opener Star players for Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy setup, batter Sarfaraz Khan and seamer Tushar Deshpande are both ruled out of the J&K game at home with respective injuries. Also read | Robin Uthappa says Virat Kohli 'didn't like' Ambati Rayudu, cut him from India's 2019 ODI World Cup team While Sarfaraz, picked for the tour Down Under (and didn’t get to play any match) suffered a hairline fracture in his ribs, Deshpande continues to recover from the ankle injury, for which he underwent surgery on September 30 last year. "He (Sarfaraz) suffered the injury while fielding during practice just a couple of days before the Indian team left Australia. After coming back to India, a scan showed that he had sustained a minor rib fracture, and he was advised a three-week complete rest by the doctor. “He is unlikely to play for Mumbai in their Ranji match against J&K. In fact, he could miss the entire league stage of the tournament and be only fit by the knockouts," the source added. What’s next for Rohit? Should Rohit play for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy, he will get some needed batting practice ahead of the three-match England ODIs and the first showpiece event of the year – the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled for the February-March window in Pakistan and the UAE. Though the BCCI named a potent 15-man squad for five England T20Is starting January 22 in Kolkata, they are yet to announce the ODI teams for the two upcoming series. Rohit will continue to lead India in the One-Day format. (With inputs from agencies)

Rohit Sharma likely to play Ranji Trophy second leg opener for Mumbai

Rohit Sharma will play the England Tests later this year, as he plans to continue as the captain unless the BCCI zeroes in on his successor, per the latest report. Sharma, who faced severe wrath for his poor show Down Under, wherein he returned with just 31 runs across three Tests, besides his mediocre captaincy, was part of a review meeting in Mumbai on Saturday (Jan 11).
Per a report in Dainik Jagran, Rohit agreed to remain the national team&rsquo;s skipper across formats, adding regardless of who his successor is, he will get the dressing room&rsquo;s complete support.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/shakib-al-hasan-bangladesh-champions-trophy-2025-squad-suspend-second-bowling-test-8612161" rel="dofollow">Suspended Shakib finds no place in Bangladesh Champions Trophy squad</a>
Besides, discussions around his ODI future were also held, with the selectors to take a call on his successor in the One-Day format after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Last year, ace T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav replaced Rohit as the new captain in the shortest format. Rohit, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja announced their T20I retirements following winning the T20 World Cup in the Americas.
<h2>Will Bumrah succeed Rohit in Tests and ODIs?</h2>
India&rsquo;s premier seamer Jasprit Bumrah&rsquo;s name as Rohit&rsquo;s successor, mainly in Tests, was also discussed, with all present, including chief selector Ajit Agarkar, board members, the head coach Gautam Gambhir and Rohit sharing apprehensions over the same.
While Bumrah is being considered for a future leadership role with Team India, concerns about his ability to manage his workload during a lengthy five-match Test series led everyone nowhere in this discussion.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-nightmare-for-team-india-as-jasprit-bumrah-to-miss-group-stage-report-8611837" rel="dofollow">Jasprit Bumrah to miss Champions Trophy 2025 group stage - Report</a>
Rohit remains the only option with the selectors to go ahead as the captain for England Tests starting June 20.
<h3>Bumrah &ndash; the captain in BGT!</h3>
Jasprit Bumrah has led India a few times across formats, lately during the recently concluded Australia Tests Down Under. In Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s absence from the series opener in Perth for personal reasons, Bumrah wore the captain&rsquo;s hat, helping India draw first blood at the Optus Stadium.
However, with Rohit re-linking with the Indian Team midway through the first Test, he returned to the playing XI and the leadership role for the next three games, with India losing two of them.
India conceded the lead (1-2) heading into the series decider in Sydney, with Rohit opting out of the final Test of the series owing to poor form. His absence meant Bumrah was roped in as the stand-in captain for the second time in the series, leading to him playing all five Tests and eventually suffering back spasm midway through the Test.
With no Rohit and Bumrah during the fourth innings, Kohli captained but failed to help India defend a modest total. As a result, they lost the series (1-3) and, with that, the chance to qualify for the WTC Final 2025.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, cricket: Discussions around Rohit's ODI future were also held, with the selectors to take a call on his successor in the One-Day format after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Rohit Sharma will play the England Tests later this year, as he plans to continue as the captain unless the BCCI zeroes in on his successor, per the latest report. Sharma, who faced severe wrath for his poor show Down Under, wherein he returned with just 31 runs across three Tests, besides his mediocre captaincy, was part of a review meeting in Mumbai on Saturday (Jan 11). Per a report in Dainik Jagran, Rohit agreed to remain the national team’s skipper across formats, adding regardless of who his successor is, he will get the dressing room’s complete support. Also read | Suspended Shakib finds no place in Bangladesh Champions Trophy squad Besides, discussions around his ODI future were also held, with the selectors to take a call on his successor in the One-Day format after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Last year, ace T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav replaced Rohit as the new captain in the shortest format. Rohit, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja announced their T20I retirements following winning the T20 World Cup in the Americas. Will Bumrah succeed Rohit in Tests and ODIs? India’s premier seamer Jasprit Bumrah’s name as Rohit’s successor, mainly in Tests, was also discussed, with all present, including chief selector Ajit Agarkar, board members, the head coach Gautam Gambhir and Rohit sharing apprehensions over the same. While Bumrah is being considered for a future leadership role with Team India, concerns about his ability to manage his workload during a lengthy five-match Test series led everyone nowhere in this discussion. Also read | Jasprit Bumrah to miss Champions Trophy 2025 group stage - Report Rohit remains the only option with the selectors to go ahead as the captain for England Tests starting June 20. Bumrah – the captain in BGT! Jasprit Bumrah has led India a few times across formats, lately during the recently concluded Australia Tests Down Under. In Rohit Sharma’s absence from the series opener in Perth for personal reasons, Bumrah wore the captain’s hat, helping India draw first blood at the Optus Stadium. However, with Rohit re-linking with the Indian Team midway through the first Test, he returned to the playing XI and the leadership role for the next three games, with India losing two of them. India conceded the lead (1-2) heading into the series decider in Sydney, with Rohit opting out of the final Test of the series owing to poor form. His absence meant Bumrah was roped in as the stand-in captain for the second time in the series, leading to him playing all five Tests and eventually suffering back spasm midway through the Test. With no Rohit and Bumrah during the fourth innings, Kohli captained but failed to help India defend a modest total. As a result, they lost the series (1-3) and, with that, the chance to qualify for the WTC Final 2025. (With inputs from agencies)

'Will remain Test captain’ - Rohit to selectors amid retirement talks

Former Australia gloveman Adam Gilchrist feels Rohit Sharma is nearing the end of his international career, with retirement announcement in two remaining formats &ndash; ODI and Tests just around the corner. The Indian captain sat out of the playing XI of the final BGT Test against Australia in Sydney owing to poor form, fuelling speculations of Test retirement.
Although he came out explaining the decision behind his exclusion from the series decider at the iconic SCG, Rohit put all retirement rumours under the mat, saying he&rsquo;s not going anywhere.&nbsp;
However, despite those comments, Gilchrist feels Rohit might have played his last Test (at the MCG) and would not travel to England for five Tests later in June.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/gautam-gambhir-is-a-hypocrite-he-doesnt-do-what-he-says-manoj-tiwary-comes-hard-on-india-coach-8605345" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Gambhir is a hypocrite, he doesn&rsquo;t do what he says,&rsquo; Manoj Tiwary</a>
Rohit missed the series opener in Perth for the birth of his second child but re-linked with the Indian Team midway through the Perth Test, making himself available for selection from the next game onwards. His return to the Test side did no good to him nor to the team, as India conceded the lead and eventually lost the series 1-3, further failing to qualify for the WTC Final 2025.&nbsp;
"I don't see Rohit going to England. I just felt that he will assess it when he gets home. I mean, the first thing he will be met with when he gets home is a two-month-old baby that he has to change the nappies on. Now that might incentivise him to go to England. But I don't see him pressing on," Gilchrist said on the Club Prairie Fire podcast.
Moreover, Rohit, who would lead India in the first showpiece event of the year &ndash; the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, might just hang up his boots after the event in Dubai, calling time on his glorious career.
"I think he'll probably have a crack at the Champions Trophy, and that might be...that might see him out," Gilchrist added.
<h2>India&rsquo;s Champions Trophy squad out on weekend</h2>
The BCCI will announce the Team India squad for the eight-team tournament over the weekend, with all eyes on Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. While Shami is in line for an India comeback for the first time in over a year, the team management and selectors are keeping a close tab on Bumrah&rsquo;s injury scan results.&nbsp;
The ace seamer suffered a back strain, playing no part in Australia&rsquo;s second innings in the Sydney Test, which the host won by six wickets.
Should Bumrah be declared fit, he would spearhead the Men in Blue in the Champions Trophy, with Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh and Shami remaining potential options in the pace attack.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, cricket: The Indian captain sat out of the playing XI of the final BGT Test against Australia in Sydney owing to poor form, fuelling speculations of Test retirement.

Former Australia gloveman Adam Gilchrist feels Rohit Sharma is nearing the end of his international career, with retirement announcement in two remaining formats – ODI and Tests just around the corner. The Indian captain sat out of the playing XI of the final BGT Test against Australia in Sydney owing to poor form, fuelling speculations of Test retirement. Although he came out explaining the decision behind his exclusion from the series decider at the iconic SCG, Rohit put all retirement rumours under the mat, saying he’s not going anywhere. However, despite those comments, Gilchrist feels Rohit might have played his last Test (at the MCG) and would not travel to England for five Tests later in June. Also read | ‘Gambhir is a hypocrite, he doesn’t do what he says,’ Manoj Tiwary Rohit missed the series opener in Perth for the birth of his second child but re-linked with the Indian Team midway through the Perth Test, making himself available for selection from the next game onwards. His return to the Test side did no good to him nor to the team, as India conceded the lead and eventually lost the series 1-3, further failing to qualify for the WTC Final 2025. "I don't see Rohit going to England. I just felt that he will assess it when he gets home. I mean, the first thing he will be met with when he gets home is a two-month-old baby that he has to change the nappies on. Now that might incentivise him to go to England. But I don't see him pressing on," Gilchrist said on the Club Prairie Fire podcast. Moreover, Rohit, who would lead India in the first showpiece event of the year – the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, might just hang up his boots after the event in Dubai, calling time on his glorious career. "I think he'll probably have a crack at the Champions Trophy, and that might be...that might see him out," Gilchrist added. India’s Champions Trophy squad out on weekend The BCCI will announce the Team India squad for the eight-team tournament over the weekend, with all eyes on Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. While Shami is in line for an India comeback for the first time in over a year, the team management and selectors are keeping a close tab on Bumrah’s injury scan results. The ace seamer suffered a back strain, playing no part in Australia’s second innings in the Sydney Test, which the host won by six wickets. Should Bumrah be declared fit, he would spearhead the Men in Blue in the Champions Trophy, with Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh and Shami remaining potential options in the pace attack. (With inputs from agencies)

Gilchrist makes startling remark on Rohit Sharma’s Test, ODI future

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra claimed that Rohit Sharma's Test career isn't as glorious as Virat Kohli's. Recently, Hitman has been under the radar since his sub-par performance in the just-concluded 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) between India and Australia, where India lost 1-3 to the hosts. He ended with scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 whereas his average was a woeful 24.76 in whites in 2024. Chopra has compared Rohit's Test run with Kohli and analysed the current Indian captain's Test numbers in depth.
<h2>'Virat has played 123 Tests and Rohit has played only 67'</h2>
On his YouTube channel, Chopra said, "His (Rohit) Test career is not as glorious as Virat's because Virat has played 123 Tests and he has played only 67. He has been a bit of a late bloomer. He has scored 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57 in 116 innings in those 67 games. Kohli's average, despite going down, is around 47."
Analysing Rohit's Test numbers since 2020, Chopra noted, "Let's start from 1st January 2020 till the end of 2024, which means the last five years. He has played 35 matches, Kohli played 39 matches and 69 innings, and he has played 63 innings. He has scored 2,160 runs at an average of 36, which includes six centuries. He didn't play in 2020. In 2021, he played 11 matches, 21 innings, and scored 906 runs at an average of 47.68 with two centuries. Not bad. If you go at an average of nearly 48, thumbs up, it will be considered a good year. So Rohit Sharma 100 per cent pass in 2021."
"He played only two matches in 2022. It's been a problem with him that he has been injured a lot. He has never played an entire series in Australia. In 2022, he scored 90 runs at an average of 30 in three innings. Since it's only two matches, it's too small a sample size to say that the year wasn't good," the former cricketer further opined.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/he-was-very-sam-konstas-reveals-surprise-chat-with-legend-virat-kohli-after-border-gavaskar-trophy-8600904" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sam Konstas reveals surprise chat with 'legend' Virat Kohli after BGT</a>
<h2>'Rohit's 2024 second half was so ordinary that people have written obituaries'</h2>
Chopra added, "He played eight matches in 2023 and scored 545 runs at an average of 41.92 in 13 innings in which he scored two centuries again. So 2023 was not a bad year. An average of nearly 42, you will have to say that it was okay.&nbsp;2024 hasn't been a good year. The first half was okay but the second half was extremely ordinary and it has become so ordinary that people have written obituaries. He scored 400 runs in the five-match series against England and that is why he has an average of 24 in 2024. He scored 619 in 14 matches. He struck two centuries here also."
Under Kohli's captaincy, Rohit's Test career saw a flourish when he was promoted as an opener. Since his promotion as an opening batter, the 37-year-old slammed nine centuries, taking his tally to 12. All of his dozen tons have come in winning causes, however, Hitman's form has taken a huge dip in recent months. His woes against seamers and limited footwork have been exposed time and again, and subsequently, he is facing the heat to retire from Tests.
&nbsp;

Cricket, Sports | Rohit Sharma's Test career not as glorious as Virat Kohli's: Ex-India opener Aakash Chopra makes SENSATIONAL claim, analyses Hitman's numbers

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra claimed that Rohit Sharma's Test career isn't as glorious as Virat Kohli's. Recently, Hitman has been under the radar since his sub-par performance in the just-concluded 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) between India and Australia, where India lost 1-3 to the hosts. He ended with scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 whereas his average was a woeful 24.76 in whites in 2024. Chopra has compared Rohit's Test run with Kohli and analysed the current Indian captain's Test numbers in depth. 'Virat has played 123 Tests and Rohit has played only 67' On his YouTube channel, Chopra said, "His (Rohit) Test career is not as glorious as Virat's because Virat has played 123 Tests and he has played only 67. He has been a bit of a late bloomer. He has scored 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57 in 116 innings in those 67 games. Kohli's average, despite going down, is around 47." Analysing Rohit's Test numbers since 2020, Chopra noted, "Let's start from 1st January 2020 till the end of 2024, which means the last five years. He has played 35 matches, Kohli played 39 matches and 69 innings, and he has played 63 innings. He has scored 2,160 runs at an average of 36, which includes six centuries. He didn't play in 2020. In 2021, he played 11 matches, 21 innings, and scored 906 runs at an average of 47.68 with two centuries. Not bad. If you go at an average of nearly 48, thumbs up, it will be considered a good year. So Rohit Sharma 100 per cent pass in 2021." "He played only two matches in 2022. It's been a problem with him that he has been injured a lot. He has never played an entire series in Australia. In 2022, he scored 90 runs at an average of 30 in three innings. Since it's only two matches, it's too small a sample size to say that the year wasn't good," the former cricketer further opined. Also read: Sam Konstas reveals surprise chat with 'legend' Virat Kohli after BGT 'Rohit's 2024 second half was so ordinary that people have written obituaries' Chopra added, "He played eight matches in 2023 and scored 545 runs at an average of 41.92 in 13 innings in which he scored two centuries again. So 2023 was not a bad year. An average of nearly 42, you will have to say that it was okay. 2024 hasn't been a good year. The first half was okay but the second half was extremely ordinary and it has become so ordinary that people have written obituaries. He scored 400 runs in the five-match series against England and that is why he has an average of 24 in 2024. He scored 619 in 14 matches. He struck two centuries here also." Under Kohli's captaincy, Rohit's Test career saw a flourish when he was promoted as an opener. Since his promotion as an opening batter, the 37-year-old slammed nine centuries, taking his tally to 12. All of his dozen tons have come in winning causes, however, Hitman's form has taken a huge dip in recent months. His woes against seamers and limited footwork have been exposed time and again, and subsequently, he is facing the heat to retire from Tests.

Rohit's Test career not as glorious as Kohli's, claims ex-Indian opener

Former India batter Yuvraj Singh has thrown his weight behind senior batter Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli amid ongoing criticism. The duo is under a lot of heat for the batting performance after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/australia-beat-india-in-sydney-test-to-win-bgt-after-ten-years-qualify-for-wtc-final-2025-8592251">Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) loss</a> against Australia and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-win-mumbai-test-to-claim-series-3-0-becomes-first-team-to-whitewash-india-in-india-772907">0-3 whitewash</a> in home Test series against New Zealand prior to that.
&ldquo;These people have played much more cricket than I have. I can only give my opinion and that is that when players don't perform it is very easy to criticise them. Supporting them is difficult. Media's job is to say bad things about them, my job is to support my friends and my brothers. For me, they are my family. Simple,&rdquo; said Yuvraj, as quoted by news agency PTI.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/konstas-and-bumrah-fight-scg-sam-konstas-acknowledges-fault-in-fight-with-jasprit-bumrah-at-scg-8599369">Aussie Sam Konstas acknowledges 'my fault' in riling up Bumrah at SCG</a>
<h2>Kohli and Rohit face heat for poor form</h2>
Virat Kohli scored 190 runs in nine innings across five Tests in BGT at an average of 23.75. Over half of Kohli's runs came in one innings when he scored 100 not out in second innings in Perth. Skipper Rohit also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/rohit-sharma-retirement-news-sanjay-manjrekar-says-playing-for-india-not-rohit-decision-8593625">failed miserably</a> in the series, scoring just 31 runs in five innings across three Tests at an average of 6.20.&nbsp;
Yuvraj, however, did not defend India's loss against New Zealand and dubbed it as unacceptable.
&ldquo;In my opinion the loss to New Zealand hurts more than this because that was at home. That was not acceptable. This is still acceptable because we have lost in Australia after winning there twice. Australia have been a dominant side for the last so many years,&rdquo; he said.
Talking about their future and of India cricket team, the 2013 ODI World Cup Player of the Tournament exuded confidence in their ability to bounce back.
&ldquo;They are among the greatest cricketers of their time. Yes they lost but they would be much more hurt by that than us. I am sure India will bounce back. I feel that Gautam Gambhir as coach, Ajit Agarkar as selector; Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah - they are the best minds in cricket right now. They have to decide what's the way for the future for Indian cricket. I am sure this will be discussed with the BCCI,&rdquo; Yuvraj added.

Cricket Sports Yuvraj Singh has backed under fire Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after Australia defeated India 3-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Former India batter Yuvraj Singh has thrown his weight behind senior batter Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli amid ongoing criticism. The duo is under a lot of heat for the batting performance after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) loss against Australia and 0-3 whitewash in home Test series against New Zealand prior to that. “These people have played much more cricket than I have. I can only give my opinion and that is that when players don't perform it is very easy to criticise them. Supporting them is difficult. Media's job is to say bad things about them, my job is to support my friends and my brothers. For me, they are my family. Simple,” said Yuvraj, as quoted by news agency PTI. Also Read: Aussie Sam Konstas acknowledges 'my fault' in riling up Bumrah at SCG Kohli and Rohit face heat for poor form Virat Kohli scored 190 runs in nine innings across five Tests in BGT at an average of 23.75. Over half of Kohli's runs came in one innings when he scored 100 not out in second innings in Perth. Skipper Rohit also failed miserably in the series, scoring just 31 runs in five innings across three Tests at an average of 6.20. Yuvraj, however, did not defend India's loss against New Zealand and dubbed it as unacceptable. “In my opinion the loss to New Zealand hurts more than this because that was at home. That was not acceptable. This is still acceptable because we have lost in Australia after winning there twice. Australia have been a dominant side for the last so many years,” he said. Talking about their future and of India cricket team, the 2013 ODI World Cup Player of the Tournament exuded confidence in their ability to bounce back. “They are among the greatest cricketers of their time. Yes they lost but they would be much more hurt by that than us. I am sure India will bounce back. I feel that Gautam Gambhir as coach, Ajit Agarkar as selector; Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah - they are the best minds in cricket right now. They have to decide what's the way for the future for Indian cricket. I am sure this will be discussed with the BCCI,” Yuvraj added.

'Supporting them is difficult,' Yuvraj backs under fire Virat & Rohit

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has backed Jasprit Bumrah to become the new captain of the Test side as speculations surround the future of Rohit Sharma. Speaking on Tuesday (Jan 7), Manjrekar backed the 31-year-old exemplary pacer who led India in two Test matches during the Australia tour. India lost the Test series 1-3, thereby surrendering the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia for the first time in a decade.
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Manjrekar backs Bumrah</h2>
"It's a no-brainer for me. The next Test series is in England and Bumrah has to be the Test captain. Rohit Sharma as a batter has not done enough considering the loss to NZ at home, plus he opted out of the playing XI because he did not fit in. There are too many uncertainties around him, and I think that Bumrah is at the top of his game. There was nothing in the Australia series that we saw that he is not captaincy material," Sanjay Manjrekar said on ESPNcrcinfo.
"When he is unfit or missing, we will think about who will lead the team next. There is so much of international cricket happening. You have to see and pick out which ones you are going to play. He can be rested in the bilaterals in the home series. Pick out your marquee series, and make Bumrah captain in those.&rdquo;
ALSO READ | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-trophy-2025-british-politicians-urge-england-to-boycott-afghanistan-clash-8597391" aria-label="Champions Trophy 2025: British politicians urge England to boycott Afghanistan clash" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Champions Trophy 2025: British politicians urge England to boycott Afghanistan clash</a>
In his first match as captain in 2022, Bumrah-led Team India lost to England in Edgbaston, while his second match as skipper came in the Australia tour. He led India to an impressive 295-run win, which saw the Indian team in the hunt for a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. However, defeats in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney dented their chances.
Bumrah was again the captain in the final match in Sydney, which India lost by six wickets. India&rsquo;s next test series is against England in June, with Rohit Sharma likely to sit out, paving the way for Bumrah to take over.

Sports, Cricket: Speaking on Tuesday (Jan 7), Sanjay Manjrekar backed Jasprit Bumrah for the captaincy role after he led India in two Test matches during the recent Australia tour. 

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has backed Jasprit Bumrah to become the new captain of the Test side as speculations surround the future of Rohit Sharma. Speaking on Tuesday (Jan 7), Manjrekar backed the 31-year-old exemplary pacer who led India in two Test matches during the Australia tour. India lost the Test series 1-3, thereby surrendering the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia for the first time in a decade. Manjrekar backs Bumrah "It's a no-brainer for me. The next Test series is in England and Bumrah has to be the Test captain. Rohit Sharma as a batter has not done enough considering the loss to NZ at home, plus he opted out of the playing XI because he did not fit in. There are too many uncertainties around him, and I think that Bumrah is at the top of his game. There was nothing in the Australia series that we saw that he is not captaincy material," Sanjay Manjrekar said on ESPNcrcinfo. "When he is unfit or missing, we will think about who will lead the team next. There is so much of international cricket happening. You have to see and pick out which ones you are going to play. He can be rested in the bilaterals in the home series. Pick out your marquee series, and make Bumrah captain in those.” ALSO READ | Champions Trophy 2025: British politicians urge England to boycott Afghanistan clash In his first match as captain in 2022, Bumrah-led Team India lost to England in Edgbaston, while his second match as skipper came in the Australia tour. He led India to an impressive 295-run win, which saw the Indian team in the hunt for a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. However, defeats in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney dented their chances. Bumrah was again the captain in the final match in Sydney, which India lost by six wickets. India’s next test series is against England in June, with Rohit Sharma likely to sit out, paving the way for Bumrah to take over.

Former India batter backs Jasprit Bumrah for Test captaincy role

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar says that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/sports/7-best-innings-of-rohit-sharma-in-odis-ft-264-vs-sri-lanka-8589453">Rohit Sharma</a> might find it difficult to get a place in the Test side if his form doesn't improve soon. Manjrekar also opined that being in the test side is not Rohit's decision; instead, it lies with the selectors. The comments come after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-this-is-not-a-retirement-decision-rohit-sharma-breaks-silence-on-scg-test-omission-8590113">Rohit opted to sit out of the Sydney Test</a> in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) due to a poor run of form.
"One thing that a lot of players say is that &lsquo;I will decide my future'. I have a problem with that. You can decide your future with regards to retirement, but somebody else has got the job to decide your future as a player and captain," said Manjrekar during the post-match show on official broadcaster Star after India's defeat in the Sydney Test on Sunday (Jan 5).
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/virat-kohli-news-pat-cummins-reacts-on-virat-kohli-not-able-to-tour-australia-again-bgt-india-vs-australia-8593395">Pat Cummins reacts on possibility of Virat Kohli not touring Australia again</a>
"That's the chairman of selectors. You have got to respect the hierarchy, however big you are. If the chairman of selectors is strong and he believes in the long-term health of Indian cricket, he has the power to decide whether your career should end now, or you get a few more matches, or one more series. Retirement is in your hands, but playing for India is not," he added.
<h2>Rohit Sharma retirement talk heats up</h2>
Rohit Sharma failed miserably in the series, scoring just 31 runs in five innings across three Tests at an average of 6.20. The skipper missed the first Test of the series due to the birth of his second child before missing the Sydney Test due to poor form.
On day 2 of the Test, however, Rohit did address the situation around his future and quashed reports of his retirement.
"This decision is not a retirement decision, nor am I going to take myself out of the game. I sat out of this match because runs are not coming off my bat. There is no guarantee runs won't come five or two months down the line. I have seen a lot in cricket that life changes every second, every minute, every day," said the skipper.
The five-Test series ended with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/australia-beat-india-in-sydney-test-to-win-bgt-after-ten-years-qualify-for-wtc-final-2025-8592251">India losing 1-3 as Australia regained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy</a> after 10 years. With the series win, Australia also booked their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa.

Cricket Sports Rohit Sharma Retirement news Sanjay Manjrekar says Rohit getting a place in Indian Test side is not his decision but it lies with the selectors.

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar says that Rohit Sharma might find it difficult to get a place in the Test side if his form doesn't improve soon. Manjrekar also opined that being in the test side is not Rohit's decision; instead, it lies with the selectors. The comments come after Rohit opted to sit out of the Sydney Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) due to a poor run of form. "One thing that a lot of players say is that ‘I will decide my future'. I have a problem with that. You can decide your future with regards to retirement, but somebody else has got the job to decide your future as a player and captain," said Manjrekar during the post-match show on official broadcaster Star after India's defeat in the Sydney Test on Sunday (Jan 5). Also Read: Pat Cummins reacts on possibility of Virat Kohli not touring Australia again "That's the chairman of selectors. You have got to respect the hierarchy, however big you are. If the chairman of selectors is strong and he believes in the long-term health of Indian cricket, he has the power to decide whether your career should end now, or you get a few more matches, or one more series. Retirement is in your hands, but playing for India is not," he added. Rohit Sharma retirement talk heats up Rohit Sharma failed miserably in the series, scoring just 31 runs in five innings across three Tests at an average of 6.20. The skipper missed the first Test of the series due to the birth of his second child before missing the Sydney Test due to poor form. On day 2 of the Test, however, Rohit did address the situation around his future and quashed reports of his retirement. "This decision is not a retirement decision, nor am I going to take myself out of the game. I sat out of this match because runs are not coming off my bat. There is no guarantee runs won't come five or two months down the line. I have seen a lot in cricket that life changes every second, every minute, every day," said the skipper. The five-Test series ended with India losing 1-3 as Australia regained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years. With the series win, Australia also booked their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa.

Ex-India batter says 'playing for India' not Rohit Sharma's decision

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar advised Rohit Sharma to play in the Ranji Trophy (India&rsquo;s red-ball domestic competition) as the batter struggles with the bat. Rohit opted not to play in the Sydney Test after a poor run of form saw him make way for Shubman Gill in the Playing XI. However, Gavaskar has now backed his follow Mumbaikar to play in the domestic competition and regain his spot for the England series despite rumours that he will announce his retirement from the game.&nbsp;
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Gavaskar advices Rohit</h2>
&ldquo;Well, there are not much of four-day games that are available, but if there are some like the Ranji Trophy, if Mumbai do qualify for the knockout stages, he should be looking to play some matches,&rdquo; Gavaskar told India Today.
&ldquo;I know it's a little bit unfair on some of the boys who've been playing in the initial and qualifying stages to make way for him. But in the larger interest of Indian cricket, I think if there is a spot for him to play, he should be doing that because that's the one way that he will be giving himself time out in the middle,&rdquo; Gavaskar said.
Before opting out of the Sydney Test, Rohit had scored 31 runs in five innings which saw him draw criticism from all corners. Since leading India to the T20 World Cup glory in the West Indies in June, Rohit&rsquo;s form has become a huge matter of concern.
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<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Rishabh Pant scores quickfire fifty</h2>
Bumrah&rsquo;s absence could be felt big time as India struggled with the bat in their second innings of the Sydney Test. The top order yet again failed to perform with Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring (22), KL Rahul (13) and Shubman Gill (13). Virat Kohli also failed to make the most of his last innings in the series and scored six runs while getting out to Boland in a similar fashion as last matches.
Rishabh Pant was the stand-out batter with 61 runs off 33 balls before falling to Pat Cummins. India at stumps on Day 2 were 141/6 and lead by 145 runs as they look to stay in the contest with a big score.

Sports, Cricket:  Rohit Sharma opted not to play in the Sydney Test after a poor run of form saw him make way for Shubman Gill in the Playing XI against Australia. 

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar advised Rohit Sharma to play in the Ranji Trophy (India’s red-ball domestic competition) as the batter struggles with the bat. Rohit opted not to play in the Sydney Test after a poor run of form saw him make way for Shubman Gill in the Playing XI. However, Gavaskar has now backed his follow Mumbaikar to play in the domestic competition and regain his spot for the England series despite rumours that he will announce his retirement from the game. Gavaskar advices Rohit “Well, there are not much of four-day games that are available, but if there are some like the Ranji Trophy, if Mumbai do qualify for the knockout stages, he should be looking to play some matches,” Gavaskar told India Today. “I know it's a little bit unfair on some of the boys who've been playing in the initial and qualifying stages to make way for him. But in the larger interest of Indian cricket, I think if there is a spot for him to play, he should be doing that because that's the one way that he will be giving himself time out in the middle,” Gavaskar said. Before opting out of the Sydney Test, Rohit had scored 31 runs in five innings which saw him draw criticism from all corners. Since leading India to the T20 World Cup glory in the West Indies in June, Rohit’s form has become a huge matter of concern. ALSO READ | La Liga, Spanish Football Federation reject Dani Olmo's Barcelona registration Rishabh Pant scores quickfire fifty Bumrah’s absence could be felt big time as India struggled with the bat in their second innings of the Sydney Test. The top order yet again failed to perform with Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring (22), KL Rahul (13) and Shubman Gill (13). Virat Kohli also failed to make the most of his last innings in the series and scored six runs while getting out to Boland in a similar fashion as last matches. Rishabh Pant was the stand-out batter with 61 runs off 33 balls before falling to Pat Cummins. India at stumps on Day 2 were 141/6 and lead by 145 runs as they look to stay in the contest with a big score.

BGT 2024/25: 'Rohit should play in Ranji Trophy,' says Sunil Gavaskar as India captain struggles with bat

Rohit Sharma broke his silence on his omission from playing XI for the fifth BGT Test against Australia. Having &lsquo;opted out&rsquo;, as the official word used by the stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah during the coin toss, Rohit revealed he sat out of the side due to poor form, a decision that doesn't foreshadow his Test retirement.
Speaking to the host broadcaster for the first time since his exclusion from the playing XI for this decisive Test, Rohit said he realised he hadn&rsquo;t done justice to his selection owing to a series of poor scores in the lead-up to this match.
As a result, he decided to willingly step aside, allowing young Shubman Gill to take his chance and help India square series.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-jasprit-bumrah-leaves-scg-amid-injury-scare-post-lunch-on-day-2-watch-8589779" rel="dofollow">BGT: Bumrah leaves SCG amid injury scare post lunch on day 2 &ndash; WATCH</a>
Reacting to reports of his potential Test retirement announcement with the conclusion of this Test, the regular Indian skipper said, "This decision is not a retirement decision, nor am I going to take myself out of the game.&rdquo;
Explaining his decision, Rohit said he played this game enough to know that it might take longer than expected for him to return to form.
The veteran Indian cricketer added that those with a microphone, pen or laptop cannot take a call on his career, adding he believes that things can change quickly for him.&nbsp;
"I sat out of this match because runs are not coming off my bat. There is no guarantee runs won't come five or two months down the line. I have seen a lot in cricket that life changes every second, every minute, every day.
"I have confidence in me that things can change, but at the same time, I have to be realistic as well. So life won't change by what people with a mic, pen or laptop write or say. They can't decide when we should retire when we should sit out, when we should captain. I am a sensible man, a mature man, father of two kids. So I know what I need in life."
<h2>Rohit on when he made this decision</h2>
Rohit missed the series opener in Perth for personal reasons - the only Test India won thus far in the series under Bumrah&rsquo;s captaincy.
He re-linked with the Indian Team midway into the first Test and played all three matches since. Though India lost two and drew one of those matches, conceding the lead and the chance to sail through into the WTC Final, Rohit&rsquo;s form with the bat worried everyone, casting doubts over his selection.
Rohit said he decided to opt out of the playing XI upon landing in Sydney.
"I made this decision after coming here [to Sydney]," Rohit said.&nbsp;
"We had only two days between the matches. On New Year's, I didn't want to have this chat with the selector and the coach. But it was in my mind that I am trying my best, but I am not getting the runs. I have to accept it and have to get myself out of the way.
"The chat that I had with the coach and the selector was very simple: my bat is not scoring runs, I am not in form, this is an important match, and we need players who are in form. As it is, the boys are not in great form. So, I had this simple thought in my mind: we can't carry out-of-form players,&rdquo; the Indian captain noted.
Meanwhile, Rohit&rsquo;s replacement, Gill, scored 20 and 13 across two innings at the SCG.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket | Sports: Rohit said those with a microphone, pen or laptop cannot take a call on his career, adding he believes that things can change quickly for him. 

Rohit Sharma broke his silence on his omission from playing XI for the fifth BGT Test against Australia. Having ‘opted out’, as the official word used by the stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah during the coin toss, Rohit revealed he sat out of the side due to poor form, a decision that doesn't foreshadow his Test retirement. Speaking to the host broadcaster for the first time since his exclusion from the playing XI for this decisive Test, Rohit said he realised he hadn’t done justice to his selection owing to a series of poor scores in the lead-up to this match. As a result, he decided to willingly step aside, allowing young Shubman Gill to take his chance and help India square series. Also read | BGT: Bumrah leaves SCG amid injury scare post lunch on day 2 – WATCH Reacting to reports of his potential Test retirement announcement with the conclusion of this Test, the regular Indian skipper said, "This decision is not a retirement decision, nor am I going to take myself out of the game.” Explaining his decision, Rohit said he played this game enough to know that it might take longer than expected for him to return to form. The veteran Indian cricketer added that those with a microphone, pen or laptop cannot take a call on his career, adding he believes that things can change quickly for him. "I sat out of this match because runs are not coming off my bat. There is no guarantee runs won't come five or two months down the line. I have seen a lot in cricket that life changes every second, every minute, every day. "I have confidence in me that things can change, but at the same time, I have to be realistic as well. So life won't change by what people with a mic, pen or laptop write or say. They can't decide when we should retire when we should sit out, when we should captain. I am a sensible man, a mature man, father of two kids. So I know what I need in life." Rohit on when he made this decision Rohit missed the series opener in Perth for personal reasons - the only Test India won thus far in the series under Bumrah’s captaincy. He re-linked with the Indian Team midway into the first Test and played all three matches since. Though India lost two and drew one of those matches, conceding the lead and the chance to sail through into the WTC Final, Rohit’s form with the bat worried everyone, casting doubts over his selection. Rohit said he decided to opt out of the playing XI upon landing in Sydney. "I made this decision after coming here [to Sydney]," Rohit said. "We had only two days between the matches. On New Year's, I didn't want to have this chat with the selector and the coach. But it was in my mind that I am trying my best, but I am not getting the runs. I have to accept it and have to get myself out of the way. "The chat that I had with the coach and the selector was very simple: my bat is not scoring runs, I am not in form, this is an important match, and we need players who are in form. As it is, the boys are not in great form. So, I had this simple thought in my mind: we can't carry out-of-form players,” the Indian captain noted. Meanwhile, Rohit’s replacement, Gill, scored 20 and 13 across two innings at the SCG. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: ‘This is not a retirement decision’ - Rohit Sharma breaks silence on SCG Test omission

India Test captain Rohit Sharma is all set to be axed from the team as he nears the end of his legendary career according to latest media reports. Rohit, who sat out of the Sydney Test match against Australia due to poor form on Friday (Jan 3), is likely to announce his retirement from the format with rumours even surfacing of his possible axing from the ODI side for the Champions Trophy. If this is the case, Rohit may well have already played his final match for India at international level. <o:p></o:p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Rohit out of selectors' plan?<o:p></o:p></h2>
According to a prominent media house, the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar will no longer consider Rohit for team India selection. This comes after the Indian captain has scored only 31 runs in five innings in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. Rohit&rsquo;s poor form became a big talking point in the build-up to the Sydney Test, which eventually saw him opt out of the contest.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Merely six months after he led India to a historic second T20 World Cup title in the West Indies, Rohit&rsquo;s days with the Indian team are numbered. Reports are already stating that the India captain will announce his Test retirement after the Sydney Test ends on Monday or earlier.<o:p></o:p>
His relationship with head coach Gautam Gambhir are not great as they refrained from speaking to one another in the build-up to the SCG contest.
ALSO READ | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bgt-202425-team-india-did-not-celebrate-record-breaking-perth-win-as-dressing-room-issues-broaden-report-8588330" aria-label="BGT 2024/25: Team India did not celebrate record-breaking Perth win as dressing room issues broaden - Report" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BGT 2024/25: Team India did not celebrate record-breaking Perth win as dressing room issues broaden - Report</a>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">India's struggle continues</h2>
After a heavy build-up to the contest, India had another poor day at the office despite seeing skipper Rohit make way for Shubman Gill. India were reduced to 185 in their first innings, with the visitors losing key wickets in the first session of the match. Jaiswal (10), KL Rahul (4), and Gill (20) all failed to impress in what is a must-win contest for Team India in the ongoing BGT. <o:p></o:p>
Later Virat Kohli (17) and Rishabh Pant (40) also failed to convert their starts before the Australian bowlers bowled out India for 185.<o:p></o:p>
(With Inputs from Agencies)

Sports, Cricket: According to a prominent media report, the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar will no longer consider Rohit Sharma for team India selection. 

India Test captain Rohit Sharma is all set to be axed from the team as he nears the end of his legendary career according to latest media reports. Rohit, who sat out of the Sydney Test match against Australia due to poor form on Friday (Jan 3), is likely to announce his retirement from the format with rumours even surfacing of his possible axing from the ODI side for the Champions Trophy. If this is the case, Rohit may well have already played his final match for India at international level. Rohit out of selectors' plan? According to a prominent media house, the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar will no longer consider Rohit for team India selection. This comes after the Indian captain has scored only 31 runs in five innings in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. Rohit’s poor form became a big talking point in the build-up to the Sydney Test, which eventually saw him opt out of the contest. Merely six months after he led India to a historic second T20 World Cup title in the West Indies, Rohit’s days with the Indian team are numbered. Reports are already stating that the India captain will announce his Test retirement after the Sydney Test ends on Monday or earlier. His relationship with head coach Gautam Gambhir are not great as they refrained from speaking to one another in the build-up to the SCG contest. ALSO READ | BGT 2024/25: Team India did not celebrate record-breaking Perth win as dressing room issues broaden - Report India's struggle continues After a heavy build-up to the contest, India had another poor day at the office despite seeing skipper Rohit make way for Shubman Gill. India were reduced to 185 in their first innings, with the visitors losing key wickets in the first session of the match. Jaiswal (10), KL Rahul (4), and Gill (20) all failed to impress in what is a must-win contest for Team India in the ongoing BGT. Later Virat Kohli (17) and Rishabh Pant (40) also failed to convert their starts before the Australian bowlers bowled out India for 185. (With Inputs from Agencies)

India Test captain Rohit Sharma no longer in selection committee's plans: Report

Things seem to have gotten ugly following Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s exclusion from the playing XI for the ongoing SCG Test. The latest reports have emerged suggesting that should Rohit decide against leading the team in One-Dayers, with the Champions Trophy 2025 looming, the BCCI has a backup option ready.
Rohit&rsquo;s omission from the BGT decider shocked the cricket world, with everyone wondering what led to him opting out from playing the decisive Test. At the coin toss, the stand-in Indian captain, Jasprit Bumrah, revealed Rohit showed leadership skills by resting himself, knowing his form hadn&rsquo;t helped India in the three matches he played in the series.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/steve-smith-to-captain-australia-for-sri-lanka-tests-in-pat-cummins-absence-report-8587859" rel="dofollow">Steve Smith to captain Australia for Sri Lanka Tests &ndash; Report</a>
&lsquo;Our captain [Rohit Sharma] has shown his leadership as well. He's opted to rest in this game. "So, that shows that there's a lot of unity in our team. There's no selfishness. Whatever is in the team's best interest, we're looking to do that," Bumrah said at the toss.
However, his absence from the playing XI, and more so from the team sheet of 16 players, including the reserves and backups, fuelled speculations of his potential Test retirement following the conclusion of this Test.&nbsp;
Though neither Rohit, the board, nor anyone close to the dressing room has spilt beans on this, should Rohit decide to hang his boots across formats, the Men in Blue must have a new captain ready at the helm for the eight-team tournament.
<h2>Who replaces Rohit as new ODI captain?</h2>
Rohit announced his retirement from T20Is following winning the tournament in the Americas last year. Considering India&rsquo;s home season and the action-packed schedule that awaits, including the away BGT and the Champions Trophy, Rohit decided to hold the top spot in the side in two formats.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, considering how quickly things changed overnight, with a dip in Rohit&rsquo;s form, reflexes and leadership abilities, he remains far from being his best version, something which worries the new management.
An unnamed BCCI source has revealed that all-rounder Hardik Pandya emerges as the top yet best option to lead India in the Champions Trophy should Rohit announce his international retirement.
&ldquo;Hardik has the knack for leading in high-pressure situations, and his experience as an all-rounder and leader makes him an ideal choice for an ICC tournament like the Champions Trophy," an unnamed BCCI source said, as quoted by MyKhel.
Though the source revealed that BCCI had zeroed in on two other options, Pandya&rsquo;s credential keeps him ahead in the race.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Gill needs more grooming to mature into a leader, and SKY&rsquo;s ODI performances haven&rsquo;t been convincing enough. Hardik remains the most balanced option to lead India in ODIs if Rohit is unavailable," the source added.
Meanwhile, Pakistan and the UAE will co-host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While Pakistan will play all its matches in their country, India&rsquo;s games will take place in Dubai, including the knockouts, should they qualify.&nbsp;
The eight-team tournament will get underway on February 19 and ends on March 9.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Rohit Sharma's omission from the BGT decider shocked the cricket world, with everyone wondering what led to him opting out from playing the decisive Test.

Things seem to have gotten ugly following Rohit Sharma’s exclusion from the playing XI for the ongoing SCG Test. The latest reports have emerged suggesting that should Rohit decide against leading the team in One-Dayers, with the Champions Trophy 2025 looming, the BCCI has a backup option ready. Rohit’s omission from the BGT decider shocked the cricket world, with everyone wondering what led to him opting out from playing the decisive Test. At the coin toss, the stand-in Indian captain, Jasprit Bumrah, revealed Rohit showed leadership skills by resting himself, knowing his form hadn’t helped India in the three matches he played in the series. Also read | Steve Smith to captain Australia for Sri Lanka Tests – Report ‘Our captain [Rohit Sharma] has shown his leadership as well. He's opted to rest in this game. "So, that shows that there's a lot of unity in our team. There's no selfishness. Whatever is in the team's best interest, we're looking to do that," Bumrah said at the toss. However, his absence from the playing XI, and more so from the team sheet of 16 players, including the reserves and backups, fuelled speculations of his potential Test retirement following the conclusion of this Test. Though neither Rohit, the board, nor anyone close to the dressing room has spilt beans on this, should Rohit decide to hang his boots across formats, the Men in Blue must have a new captain ready at the helm for the eight-team tournament. Who replaces Rohit as new ODI captain? Rohit announced his retirement from T20Is following winning the tournament in the Americas last year. Considering India’s home season and the action-packed schedule that awaits, including the away BGT and the Champions Trophy, Rohit decided to hold the top spot in the side in two formats. Meanwhile, considering how quickly things changed overnight, with a dip in Rohit’s form, reflexes and leadership abilities, he remains far from being his best version, something which worries the new management. An unnamed BCCI source has revealed that all-rounder Hardik Pandya emerges as the top yet best option to lead India in the Champions Trophy should Rohit announce his international retirement. “Hardik has the knack for leading in high-pressure situations, and his experience as an all-rounder and leader makes him an ideal choice for an ICC tournament like the Champions Trophy," an unnamed BCCI source said, as quoted by MyKhel. Though the source revealed that BCCI had zeroed in on two other options, Pandya’s credential keeps him ahead in the race. “Gill needs more grooming to mature into a leader, and SKY’s ODI performances haven’t been convincing enough. Hardik remains the most balanced option to lead India in ODIs if Rohit is unavailable," the source added. Meanwhile, Pakistan and the UAE will co-host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While Pakistan will play all its matches in their country, India’s games will take place in Dubai, including the knockouts, should they qualify. The eight-team tournament will get underway on February 19 and ends on March 9. (With inputs from agencies)

India likely to have a new captain for Champions Trophy 2025 – Report

Team India suffered a similar fate while batting first on day one of the fifth and final Test in Sydney but ended with Usman Khawaja&rsquo;s wicket. Batting first after winning the toss, India scored a paltry 185 in the first innings, with Rishabh Pant among runs (40). Scott Boland continued an impressive run with four wickets, but what unfolded between Sam Konstas and the stand-in Indian skipper Jasprit Bumrah was day one&rsquo;s highlight.
Day one began with the shocking news of regular Indian skipper Rohit Sharma opting out of the series decider, with Bumrah donning the captain&rsquo;s hat for the second time this series.
While India made two changes to their playing XI, bringing in seamer Prasidh Krishna for injured Akash Deep and replacing Rohit with Shubman Gill, Australia brought in the debutant Beau Webster for underfiring Mitchell Marsh.
Australia made most of the conditions, removing both openers &ndash; Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul inside the first eight overs.
However, the moment of the first hour came when Virat Kohli edged one to the slip cordon only for Steve Smith to grab it and later scoop it off the ground for the gully fielder to complete the catch, which, later, got adjudged not out.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5ggpvbh-6ftehsc0-uyxr21bc">
"100%. No denying it whatsoever." Steve Smith weighs in on whether he got his hand underneath the ball in the biggest moment of the morning. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/bqIy8iGIRm">pic.twitter.com/bqIy8iGIRm</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1874994592967176496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
Although Kohli survived a first-ball dismissal, he fell prey to Boland&rsquo;s peach after lunch, getting out caught in the slips.&nbsp;
Pant and Ravindra Jadeja tried saving India&rsquo;s grace and even managed to do it slightly, but Boland&rsquo;s dual strike later put their backs against the wall.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5ggq5yk-gq5a0nod-p5h8nggx">
Scott Boland picked up his 50th Test wicket... and nearly had a hat-trick too! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MilestoneMoment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MilestoneMoment</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/M5PTfgJnL0">pic.twitter.com/M5PTfgJnL0</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1875062567976014109?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
Boland picked Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy (0), with Mitchell Starc and Captain Cummins wrapping up the tail soon after.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/shocking-rohit-sharmas-name-missing-from-official-team-sheet-for-scg-test-in-bgt-8587521" rel="dofollow">SHOCKING! Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s name missing from official team sheet for SCG Test</a>
For the nth time in the series, India got all out under 200, mostly after batting first, a worrying sign for the team already undergoing some tough times both on and off the field. Even with a youngster replacing low-on-form Rohit, India failed to put a decent total on the board, putting pressure on the bowling unit to compensate.
<h2>&lsquo;Drama at SCG&rsquo;</h2>
Sam Konstas began proceedings with a four off the first ball of Bumrah, cheering the crowd up.
However, what happened just at the stroke of stumps made headlines.&nbsp;Standing at the non-striker end, Konstas interrupted Bumrah (before the final ball of the day) while having a go at the Indian seamer. Both shared a few words before the on-field umpire separated the two.&nbsp;
That moment riled up Bumrah, who picked Khawaja, caught in the slips on just two.
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Fiery scenes in the final over at the SCG! How's that for a finish to Day One 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/BAAjrFKvnQ">pic.twitter.com/BAAjrFKvnQ</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1875076874495201743?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
Australia ended day one of the fifth Test on 9/1, trailing by 175 runs.&nbsp;

Cricket, Sports: Australia trail by 176 runs at stumps on day one, losing Khawaja on the last ball of the day. Konstas and Bumrah shared some words a ball before his wicket.

Team India suffered a similar fate while batting first on day one of the fifth and final Test in Sydney but ended with Usman Khawaja’s wicket. Batting first after winning the toss, India scored a paltry 185 in the first innings, with Rishabh Pant among runs (40). Scott Boland continued an impressive run with four wickets, but what unfolded between Sam Konstas and the stand-in Indian skipper Jasprit Bumrah was day one’s highlight. Day one began with the shocking news of regular Indian skipper Rohit Sharma opting out of the series decider, with Bumrah donning the captain’s hat for the second time this series. While India made two changes to their playing XI, bringing in seamer Prasidh Krishna for injured Akash Deep and replacing Rohit with Shubman Gill, Australia brought in the debutant Beau Webster for underfiring Mitchell Marsh. Australia made most of the conditions, removing both openers – Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul inside the first eight overs. However, the moment of the first hour came when Virat Kohli edged one to the slip cordon only for Steve Smith to grab it and later scoop it off the ground for the gully fielder to complete the catch, which, later, got adjudged not out. "100%. No denying it whatsoever." Steve Smith weighs in on whether he got his hand underneath the ball in the biggest moment of the morning. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/bqIy8iGIRm — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025 Although Kohli survived a first-ball dismissal, he fell prey to Boland’s peach after lunch, getting out caught in the slips. Pant and Ravindra Jadeja tried saving India’s grace and even managed to do it slightly, but Boland’s dual strike later put their backs against the wall. Scott Boland picked up his 50th Test wicket... and nearly had a hat-trick too! #AUSvIND | #MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/M5PTfgJnL0 — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025 Boland picked Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy (0), with Mitchell Starc and Captain Cummins wrapping up the tail soon after. Also read | SHOCKING! Rohit Sharma’s name missing from official team sheet for SCG Test For the nth time in the series, India got all out under 200, mostly after batting first, a worrying sign for the team already undergoing some tough times both on and off the field. Even with a youngster replacing low-on-form Rohit, India failed to put a decent total on the board, putting pressure on the bowling unit to compensate. ‘Drama at SCG’ Sam Konstas began proceedings with a four off the first ball of Bumrah, cheering the crowd up. However, what happened just at the stroke of stumps made headlines. Standing at the non-striker end, Konstas interrupted Bumrah (before the final ball of the day) while having a go at the Indian seamer. Both shared a few words before the on-field umpire separated the two. That moment riled up Bumrah, who picked Khawaja, caught in the slips on just two. Fiery scenes in the final over at the SCG! How's that for a finish to Day One 👀#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/BAAjrFKvnQ — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025 Australia ended day one of the fifth Test on 9/1, trailing by 175 runs.

SCG Test, Day 1: Late drama highlights another shabby outing for India in BGT

A tour Down Under makes or breaks a player&rsquo;s career. Though plenty benefited from regular outings in this ongoing five-match series, a few faced the wrath of poor form, including the Indian captain Rohit Sharma. The veteran batter is said to have &lsquo;opted out&rsquo; from the fifth and final Test in Sydney, but what baffled everyone was his name missing from the official team sheet for the series decider.
Even though the names of the reserve players were mentioned on the team sheet, Rohit&rsquo;s was missing, raising speculations of him cutting ties with the longest format.
Ahead of the fifth Test at the iconic SCG, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and not Rohit, attended the pre-game presser.
Upon being asked about Rohit&rsquo;s chances of retaining his place despite horrible form, Gambhir remained tight-lipped.
Instead, he gave an unconvincing reply, saying the final XI would be decided after looking at the pitch.
That fuelled speculations of Rohit not making it to the XI for the series decider, which, with the stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah walking out with the captain&rsquo;s blazer on during the coin toss, became a reality.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-the-captain-of-a-country-does-not-opt-out-hes-dropped-mark-taylor-on-rohit-sharmas-absence-from-scg-test-8587288" rel="dofollow">BGT - 'He's dropped but...,' Taylor on Rohit&rsquo;s absence from SCG Test</a>
Bumrah revealed Rohit &lsquo;opted out&rsquo; of the fifth Test considering his form, for which he called him a &lsquo;true leader&rsquo;.
"Obviously, our captain [Rohit Sharma] has shown his leadership as well. He's opted to rest in this game. So, that shows that there's a lot of unity in our team. There's no selfishness. Whatever is in the team's best interest, we're looking to do that," Bumrah said at the toss.
<h2>&lsquo;No Rohit on team sheet&rsquo;</h2>
Never before in Indian cricket did a serving captain bench himself.
A captain&rsquo;s name missing from the team sheet never happened either, though seamer Akash Deep&rsquo;s name was also not there (he's out of the SCG tie with an injury).
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Rohit Sharma hasn&rsquo;t stepped out with the rest of the squad &amp; his name no longer appears in the squad list either. A different meaning to &ldquo;opted to rest&rdquo; perhaps <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusvInd?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusvInd</a> <a href="https://t.co/yRb203Rmni">pic.twitter.com/yRb203Rmni</a>
&mdash; Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) <a href="https://twitter.com/beastieboy07/status/1874960422065119303?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
Should Rohit decide to call time on his Test career, he would become the second Indian player after ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to retire from Tests during the BGT 2024-25.&nbsp; Ashwin announced his shock decision to step aside after the third Test at the Gabba, which ended in a draw.
<h2>India is in shambles, again</h2>
The Indian Team failed to live up to the hype, getting out under 200 for the nth time in this series. Batting first after winning the toss, India got all out on 185, with Rishabh Pant being the highest scorer (40).&nbsp;
Scott Boland picked four wickets for Australia, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Pant and Nitish Reddy.&nbsp;
At stumps on day one, the hosts lost opener Usman Khawaja, with their scorecard reading 9/1 in three overs.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

BGT | Rohit Sharma retirment talk | Should Rohit decide to call time on his Test career, he would become the second Indian player after ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to retire from Tests during the BGT 2024-25.

A tour Down Under makes or breaks a player’s career. Though plenty benefited from regular outings in this ongoing five-match series, a few faced the wrath of poor form, including the Indian captain Rohit Sharma. The veteran batter is said to have ‘opted out’ from the fifth and final Test in Sydney, but what baffled everyone was his name missing from the official team sheet for the series decider. Even though the names of the reserve players were mentioned on the team sheet, Rohit’s was missing, raising speculations of him cutting ties with the longest format. Ahead of the fifth Test at the iconic SCG, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and not Rohit, attended the pre-game presser. Upon being asked about Rohit’s chances of retaining his place despite horrible form, Gambhir remained tight-lipped. Instead, he gave an unconvincing reply, saying the final XI would be decided after looking at the pitch. That fuelled speculations of Rohit not making it to the XI for the series decider, which, with the stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah walking out with the captain’s blazer on during the coin toss, became a reality. Also read | BGT - 'He's dropped but...,' Taylor on Rohit’s absence from SCG Test Bumrah revealed Rohit ‘opted out’ of the fifth Test considering his form, for which he called him a ‘true leader’. "Obviously, our captain [Rohit Sharma] has shown his leadership as well. He's opted to rest in this game. So, that shows that there's a lot of unity in our team. There's no selfishness. Whatever is in the team's best interest, we're looking to do that," Bumrah said at the toss. ‘No Rohit on team sheet’ Never before in Indian cricket did a serving captain bench himself. A captain’s name missing from the team sheet never happened either, though seamer Akash Deep’s name was also not there (he's out of the SCG tie with an injury). Rohit Sharma hasn’t stepped out with the rest of the squad & his name no longer appears in the squad list either. A different meaning to “opted to rest” perhaps #AusvInd pic.twitter.com/yRb203Rmni — Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) January 2, 2025 Should Rohit decide to call time on his Test career, he would become the second Indian player after ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to retire from Tests during the BGT 2024-25. Ashwin announced his shock decision to step aside after the third Test at the Gabba, which ended in a draw. India is in shambles, again The Indian Team failed to live up to the hype, getting out under 200 for the nth time in this series. Batting first after winning the toss, India got all out on 185, with Rishabh Pant being the highest scorer (40). Scott Boland picked four wickets for Australia, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Pant and Nitish Reddy. At stumps on day one, the hosts lost opener Usman Khawaja, with their scorecard reading 9/1 in three overs. (With inputs from agencies)

SHOCKING! Rohit Sharma’s name missing from official team sheet for SCG Test

Rohit Sharma opted out of the fifth and final Test, of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), between India and Australia, which got underway at the SCG, Sydney, on Friday (Jan 3). The Indian captain was 'rested' amid criticism for his poor form in the series Down Under. With Hitman opting out, former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar made a bold claim, saying 'he has played his last Test'.
<h2>'To me, it looks that the Melbourne Test would be Rohit Sharma's last'</h2>
Gavaskar said on Star Sports, "I think what it probably means is that India don't qualify for the World Test Championship final. To me, it looks that the Melbourne Test would be Rohit Sharma's last game. The new cycle of the World Test Championship will start from the England series, so they will look to have somebody who will be available for 2027 final. Whether India gets to the final or not is another matter, but I think that's what the selection committee will do. Therefore maybe we've probably seen Rohit Sharma for the last time in Test cricket."
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<div class="recommended__story">Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ravi-shastri-expects-rested-rohit-sharma-to-take-call-on-test-career-post-bgt-final-at-scg-8587014" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BGT: Shastri expects Rohit to take call on Test career after SCG game</a></div>
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"At the end of the day he's also part of the selection committee. What happens in Indian cricket is there is a selection committee which chooses the squad to go to travel overseas. Then when you come overseas, the captain, the coach, and I think if there's one selector, they generally form the selection committee. I believe the chairman of the selection committee, Ajit Agarar here in town, so he would have been part of the call that was taken. Maybe some of the senior players in the team would have been asked," Gavaskar further added.
Rohit has had a poor run in the five-match series in Australia.
He missed the BGT 2024-25 series opener, which India won in Perth under vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah.
Since he came back, things went downhill for the visitors. Rohit was criticised for his captaincy calls and scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 in the series. In 2024, he ended with 619 runs in Tests, at an average of 24.76.&nbsp;
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri also opined on Rohit.
He said on Star Sports, "If there was a home season coming up, he might have thought of carrying on, but I think he might just pull the plug at the end of this Test. He's not getting younger, he's 38 years of age. It's not that India don't have youngsters, there are some very, very good players in the wings, and it's time to build. It's a tough decision, but there's a time for everything."
In 67 Tests, Rohit has 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57 with 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries under his belt.
Talking about the ongoing BGT, Bumrah is leading India in the series finale with the visitors trailing 2-1 with a need of a win to end the series at 2-2.
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Cricket | Sports | Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Rohit Sharma has played his last Test in Melbourne - Sunil Gavaskar's BOLD claim during Day 1 of SCG encounter 

Rohit Sharma opted out of the fifth and final Test, of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), between India and Australia, which got underway at the SCG, Sydney, on Friday (Jan 3). The Indian captain was 'rested' amid criticism for his poor form in the series Down Under. With Hitman opting out, former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar made a bold claim, saying 'he has played his last Test'. 'To me, it looks that the Melbourne Test would be Rohit Sharma's last' Gavaskar said on Star Sports, "I think what it probably means is that India don't qualify for the World Test Championship final. To me, it looks that the Melbourne Test would be Rohit Sharma's last game. The new cycle of the World Test Championship will start from the England series, so they will look to have somebody who will be available for 2027 final. Whether India gets to the final or not is another matter, but I think that's what the selection committee will do. Therefore maybe we've probably seen Rohit Sharma for the last time in Test cricket." Also read: BGT: Shastri expects Rohit to take call on Test career after SCG game "At the end of the day he's also part of the selection committee. What happens in Indian cricket is there is a selection committee which chooses the squad to go to travel overseas. Then when you come overseas, the captain, the coach, and I think if there's one selector, they generally form the selection committee. I believe the chairman of the selection committee, Ajit Agarar here in town, so he would have been part of the call that was taken. Maybe some of the senior players in the team would have been asked," Gavaskar further added. Rohit has had a poor run in the five-match series in Australia. He missed the BGT 2024-25 series opener, which India won in Perth under vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah. Since he came back, things went downhill for the visitors. Rohit was criticised for his captaincy calls and scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 in the series. In 2024, he ended with 619 runs in Tests, at an average of 24.76. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri also opined on Rohit. He said on Star Sports, "If there was a home season coming up, he might have thought of carrying on, but I think he might just pull the plug at the end of this Test. He's not getting younger, he's 38 years of age. It's not that India don't have youngsters, there are some very, very good players in the wings, and it's time to build. It's a tough decision, but there's a time for everything." In 67 Tests, Rohit has 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57 with 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries under his belt. Talking about the ongoing BGT, Bumrah is leading India in the series finale with the visitors trailing 2-1 with a need of a win to end the series at 2-2.

BGT: Rohit Sharma has played his last Test in Melbourne - Sunil Gavaskar's BOLD claim

Former Australia captain Mark Taylor doesn&rsquo;t feel that Rohit Sharma is &lsquo;rested&rsquo; from the series decider at the SCG, something the stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah revealed at the coin toss, instead claimed that the management dropped him from the playing XI.
Before the start of the fifth and final BGT Test on January 3, several media reports had indicated Rohit&rsquo;s exclusion from the Sydney tie, which became a reality on the game day.
Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir attended the pre-game presser on Thursday (Dec 2), remaining tight-lipped on Rohit&rsquo;s selection stance following the dressing room leak drama.
When asked if Rohit will be part of the playing XI for the SCG Test, Gautam said the management will finalise the team after looking at the pitch ahead of day one and that everything is fine between the two.
&ldquo;Everything is fine with Rohit and I don&rsquo;t think it&rsquo;s (the captain&rsquo;s presence at the press conference) anything traditional. The head coach is here and that should be fine,&rdquo; Gambhir told the media ahead of the SCG Test.
That, however, fuelled the speculations of Rohit nearing the end of his Test career, with Bumrah walking towards the pitch with the captain&rsquo;s blazer on day one, asserted it.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ravi-shastri-expects-rested-rohit-sharma-to-take-call-on-test-career-post-bgt-final-at-scg-8587014" rel="dofollow">BGT: Shastri expects Rohit to take call on Test career after SCG game</a>
Speaking on the same lines on the sidelines of the ongoing Test, Taylor said the captain never opts out, at least when the series is on the line, adding Rohit is dropped but not forever.
&ldquo;The bottom line is, the captain of a country does not opt out for the final test match, the final deciding test match of a series,&rdquo; Mark Taylor said on Triple M, as quoted by the Indian Express. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s... no doubt, he&rsquo;s been dropped. And I don&rsquo;t know why they just don&rsquo;t say he&rsquo;s been dropped.
&ldquo;It doesn&rsquo;t mean he&rsquo;s dropped forever. It means he&rsquo;s missing this test match because he&rsquo;s been out of form.&nbsp;
&ldquo;That&rsquo;s not a crime. That&rsquo;s unfortunately professional sport, and that&rsquo;s what&rsquo;s happened,&rdquo; Taylor continued.
Watch Video -
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Rohit Sharma has... chosen to rest? 🤔 Mark Taylor: "He's been dropped and I don't know why they don't just say he's been dropped."<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/SHfHCuJwcn">pic.twitter.com/SHfHCuJwcn</a>
&mdash; Triple M Cricket (@triplemcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/triplemcricket/status/1874965839436497115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Bumrah lauds Rohit for being a &lsquo;leader&rsquo;</h2>
Rohit&rsquo;s form has put him under scrutiny in the Test side.
Having missed the BGT opener in Perth due to personal reasons, Rohit returned to the side for the second Test in Adelaide, but in the middle order.
That move did no good to either Rohit or the team, as India conceded the 1-0 lead with a 10-wicket loss in the Pink-Ball Test.
While regular interruptions forced a draw in the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, India lost the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, trailing by 1-2 in the five-match series. This was India's first loss at MCG in a test against Australia since 2011.
Rohit, who opened at the &lsquo;G&rsquo;, failed miserably with the bat, scoring less than 10 across two outings.&nbsp;
However, knowing he hasn&rsquo;t justified his place in the team, Rohit opted out of the SCG Test, a move the stand-in skipper Bumrah lauds Rohit for.
"Obviously, our captain [Rohit Sharma] has shown his leadership as well. He's opted to rest in this game. So, that shows that there's a lot of unity in our team. There's no selfishness. Whatever is in the team's best interest, we're looking to do that," Bumrah said at the toss.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Before the fifth and final BGT Test on January 3, several media reports predicted Rohit’s exclusion from the Sydney tie, which became a reality on the game day.

Former Australia captain Mark Taylor doesn’t feel that Rohit Sharma is ‘rested’ from the series decider at the SCG, something the stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah revealed at the coin toss, instead claimed that the management dropped him from the playing XI. Before the start of the fifth and final BGT Test on January 3, several media reports had indicated Rohit’s exclusion from the Sydney tie, which became a reality on the game day. Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir attended the pre-game presser on Thursday (Dec 2), remaining tight-lipped on Rohit’s selection stance following the dressing room leak drama. When asked if Rohit will be part of the playing XI for the SCG Test, Gautam said the management will finalise the team after looking at the pitch ahead of day one and that everything is fine between the two. “Everything is fine with Rohit and I don’t think it’s (the captain’s presence at the press conference) anything traditional. The head coach is here and that should be fine,” Gambhir told the media ahead of the SCG Test. That, however, fuelled the speculations of Rohit nearing the end of his Test career, with Bumrah walking towards the pitch with the captain’s blazer on day one, asserted it. Also read | BGT: Shastri expects Rohit to take call on Test career after SCG game Speaking on the same lines on the sidelines of the ongoing Test, Taylor said the captain never opts out, at least when the series is on the line, adding Rohit is dropped but not forever. “The bottom line is, the captain of a country does not opt out for the final test match, the final deciding test match of a series,” Mark Taylor said on Triple M, as quoted by the Indian Express. “He’s... no doubt, he’s been dropped. And I don’t know why they just don’t say he’s been dropped. “It doesn’t mean he’s dropped forever. It means he’s missing this test match because he’s been out of form. “That’s not a crime. That’s unfortunately professional sport, and that’s what’s happened,” Taylor continued. Watch Video - Rohit Sharma has... chosen to rest? 🤔 Mark Taylor: "He's been dropped and I don't know why they don't just say he's been dropped."#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/SHfHCuJwcn — Triple M Cricket (@triplemcricket) January 2, 2025 Bumrah lauds Rohit for being a ‘leader’ Rohit’s form has put him under scrutiny in the Test side. Having missed the BGT opener in Perth due to personal reasons, Rohit returned to the side for the second Test in Adelaide, but in the middle order. That move did no good to either Rohit or the team, as India conceded the 1-0 lead with a 10-wicket loss in the Pink-Ball Test. While regular interruptions forced a draw in the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, India lost the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, trailing by 1-2 in the five-match series. This was India's first loss at MCG in a test against Australia since 2011. Rohit, who opened at the ‘G’, failed miserably with the bat, scoring less than 10 across two outings. However, knowing he hasn’t justified his place in the team, Rohit opted out of the SCG Test, a move the stand-in skipper Bumrah lauds Rohit for. "Obviously, our captain [Rohit Sharma] has shown his leadership as well. He's opted to rest in this game. So, that shows that there's a lot of unity in our team. There's no selfishness. Whatever is in the team's best interest, we're looking to do that," Bumrah said at the toss. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT - 'He's dropped but...,' Taylor on Rohit’s absence from SCG Test

Former India coach Ravi Shastri said Friday he expected skipper Rohit Sharma to "pull the plug" on his red-ball career after being left out of the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney. The 37-year-old opener has had a poor series and the writing was on the wall when he failed to show up for India's eve-of-match press conference.<o:p></o:p>
Coach Gautam Gambhir instead fronted the media and declined to throw his support behind him.<o:p></o:p>
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-rohit-sharma-less-india-lose-virat-kohli-early-as-top-order-struggle-continues-in-scg-test-8586979" rel="dofollow">BGT: Rohit-less India struggle at SCG; lose 4 wickets early on day 1</a>
Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah insisted at the coin toss on Friday that Rohit had &lsquo;opted to rest&rsquo; for the good of the team rather than being forced out. But Shastri suspects it is the end of Rohit's 67-Test career, predicting a retirement announcement after the game.<o:p></o:p>
"It still is a brave call for a captain to own up and say, 'I'm prepared to take the bench in this game,'" Shastri said while commentating on Fox Sports. "If there was a home season coming up he might've thought of carrying on, but I think he might just pull the plug at the end of this Test.<o:p></o:p>
"It's not that India don't have youngsters. There are very, very good players in the wings and it's time to build.<o:p></o:p>
"Tough decisions, but there is a time for everything."<o:p></o:p>
Rohit quit T20 international cricket last year after lifting the World Cup, but is yet to call time on his ODI career.<o:p></o:p>
He missed the first Test in Perth for the birth of his second child and has not looked fully engaged since, failing to get past 10 runs in any of his five innings.<o:p></o:p>
His recent form comes on the back of a similarly poor return during India's 3-0 home series loss to New Zealand during October-November.<o:p></o:p>
"Our captain has shown his leadership, he's opted to rest in this game," Bumrah said at the toss. "So, that shows there's a lot of unity in our team, there's no selfishness, whatever is in the team's best interest, we are looking to do that."<o:p></o:p>
Should Rohit call it quits, it would be the second retirement of the tour with off-spinning great Ravichandran Ashwin heading home after the third Test at the Gabba.<o:p></o:p>
Ashwin was not selected for Brisbane, which appeared to be the final straw for the 38-year-old.
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Rohit Sharma missed the first Test in Perth for the birth of his second child and has not looked fully engaged since, failing to get past 10 runs in any of his five innings.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri said Friday he expected skipper Rohit Sharma to "pull the plug" on his red-ball career after being left out of the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney. The 37-year-old opener has had a poor series and the writing was on the wall when he failed to show up for India's eve-of-match press conference. Coach Gautam Gambhir instead fronted the media and declined to throw his support behind him. Also read | BGT: Rohit-less India struggle at SCG; lose 4 wickets early on day 1 Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah insisted at the coin toss on Friday that Rohit had ‘opted to rest’ for the good of the team rather than being forced out. But Shastri suspects it is the end of Rohit's 67-Test career, predicting a retirement announcement after the game. "It still is a brave call for a captain to own up and say, 'I'm prepared to take the bench in this game,'" Shastri said while commentating on Fox Sports. "If there was a home season coming up he might've thought of carrying on, but I think he might just pull the plug at the end of this Test. "It's not that India don't have youngsters. There are very, very good players in the wings and it's time to build. "Tough decisions, but there is a time for everything." Rohit quit T20 international cricket last year after lifting the World Cup, but is yet to call time on his ODI career. He missed the first Test in Perth for the birth of his second child and has not looked fully engaged since, failing to get past 10 runs in any of his five innings. His recent form comes on the back of a similarly poor return during India's 3-0 home series loss to New Zealand during October-November. "Our captain has shown his leadership, he's opted to rest in this game," Bumrah said at the toss. "So, that shows there's a lot of unity in our team, there's no selfishness, whatever is in the team's best interest, we are looking to do that." Should Rohit call it quits, it would be the second retirement of the tour with off-spinning great Ravichandran Ashwin heading home after the third Test at the Gabba. Ashwin was not selected for Brisbane, which appeared to be the final straw for the 38-year-old. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

BGT: Shastri expects Rohit to take call on Test career after SCG game

Rohit Sharma opted out of the Sydney Test as ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah captained India in the BGT finale, deciding to bat first after winning the toss. Bumrah walking down for the toss cleared the air on Rohit&rsquo;s absence from the last match of the series following days of drama surrounding dressing room leaks. However, the story remained the same in 2025, as India&rsquo;s top order struggled, with four players back in the hut, including star batter Virat Kohli, caught in the second slip.
Shubman Gill returned to the side replacing Rohit but failed to leave any mark, getting out on the last ball before lunch on day one to Nathan Lyon.
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Nathan Lyon gets a wicket on the last ball before lunch 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/B5nfTtBvem">pic.twitter.com/B5nfTtBvem</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1874993122607788258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
Earlier, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal &ndash; the two openers made mediocre starts, with Mitchell Starc accounting for Rahul, caught at the square leg for just four. Seamer Scott Boland removed in-form Jaiswal a couple of overs later on 10. India&rsquo;s scorecard read 17 for two at that stage.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/border-gavaskar-trophy-bgt-gautam-gambhir-reacts-to-reports-of-indian-dressing-room-leaks-ahead-of-scg-test-says-this-8584659" rel="dofollow">BGT: Gautam Gambhir reacts to reports of Indian dressing room leaks, says THIS</a>
That, however, could have been 17 for three the next ball had the third umpire overturned the on-field decision on Virat Kohli.&nbsp;
The Indian batter edged one to Steve Smith in the second slip (on his first ball), only for him to try to grab it by putting his hands underneath and later scooping it in the air for the gully to jump in and complete the catch. Though it looked out with the naked eye, the decision was referred to the third umpire, Joel Wilson, who, with less evidence going against Kohli, adjudged it not out.
Smith stood his ground, admitting to claim the catch cleanly and showing no dissent against the umpire&rsquo;s decision.&nbsp;
<h3>Watch Video &ndash;</h3>
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"100%. No denying it whatsoever." Steve Smith weighs in on whether he got his hand underneath the ball in the biggest moment of the morning. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/bqIy8iGIRm">pic.twitter.com/bqIy8iGIRm</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1874994592967176496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Kohli out in the slips</h2>
Kohli has been a pale shadow of himself since his Perth hundred in the BGT opener, more so for getting out similarly across almost all innings. Even in the final Test of the series, where the onus was on him in Rohit&rsquo;s absence, Kohli edged one to the second slip off Boland for the debutant Beau Webster to collect a sensational catch.
The left-handed pair of Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja copped a few blows, with the Australian attack continuing to pile pressure. All bowlers, including spinner Lyon, looked effective early on day one.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5g8hcsn-o1m65x74-wtny5ulh">
Rishabh Pant took a number of heavy hits to the body.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/TdyJ1qhm9C">pic.twitter.com/TdyJ1qhm9C</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1875019635822559412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
India is 107/4 at tea on day one.&nbsp;&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

BGT test series at SCG: The story remained the same in 2025, as India's top-order struggled early on day one of the SCG Test, including star batter Virat Kohli, who got out on 17. 

Rohit Sharma opted out of the Sydney Test as ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah captained India in the BGT finale, deciding to bat first after winning the toss. Bumrah walking down for the toss cleared the air on Rohit’s absence from the last match of the series following days of drama surrounding dressing room leaks. However, the story remained the same in 2025, as India’s top order struggled, with four players back in the hut, including star batter Virat Kohli, caught in the second slip. Shubman Gill returned to the side replacing Rohit but failed to leave any mark, getting out on the last ball before lunch on day one to Nathan Lyon. Nathan Lyon gets a wicket on the last ball before lunch 👀#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/B5nfTtBvem — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025 Earlier, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal – the two openers made mediocre starts, with Mitchell Starc accounting for Rahul, caught at the square leg for just four. Seamer Scott Boland removed in-form Jaiswal a couple of overs later on 10. India’s scorecard read 17 for two at that stage. Also read | BGT: Gautam Gambhir reacts to reports of Indian dressing room leaks, says THIS That, however, could have been 17 for three the next ball had the third umpire overturned the on-field decision on Virat Kohli. The Indian batter edged one to Steve Smith in the second slip (on his first ball), only for him to try to grab it by putting his hands underneath and later scooping it in the air for the gully to jump in and complete the catch. Though it looked out with the naked eye, the decision was referred to the third umpire, Joel Wilson, who, with less evidence going against Kohli, adjudged it not out. Smith stood his ground, admitting to claim the catch cleanly and showing no dissent against the umpire’s decision. Watch Video – "100%. No denying it whatsoever." Steve Smith weighs in on whether he got his hand underneath the ball in the biggest moment of the morning. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/bqIy8iGIRm — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025 Kohli out in the slips Kohli has been a pale shadow of himself since his Perth hundred in the BGT opener, more so for getting out similarly across almost all innings. Even in the final Test of the series, where the onus was on him in Rohit’s absence, Kohli edged one to the second slip off Boland for the debutant Beau Webster to collect a sensational catch. The left-handed pair of Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja copped a few blows, with the Australian attack continuing to pile pressure. All bowlers, including spinner Lyon, looked effective early on day one. Rishabh Pant took a number of heavy hits to the body.#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/TdyJ1qhm9C — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025 India is 107/4 at tea on day one. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Rohit-less India struggle at SCG; lose 4 wickets early on day 1

Indian Test team captain Rohit Sharma will sit out of the Sydney Test match against Australia starting on Friday (Jan 3) as the two sides prepare for the series finale. According to several media reports, Rohit has informed chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir that he will not play in the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) contest with Shubman Gill replacing him in the batting order. The likely change will also see Jasprit Bumrah captain the side as he did in the Perth Test in November. <o:p></o:p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Rohit Sharma to sit out of SCG Test?<o:p></o:p></h2>
According to a report in The Indian Express, Rohit has informed the team management of his decision to sit out of the key tie as India are trailing 1-2 in the five-match series. So far in five innings in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Indian skipper has scored just 31 runs and has been going through a rough patch. He returned to the Indian side for the Adelaide Test and batted in the middle order, having opted to play out of his preferred opening spot.
ALSO READ | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/border-gavaskar-trophy-2024-25-will-rohit-sharma-play-the-scg-test-in-sydney-gautam-gambhir-reacts-8584208" aria-label="SCG Test: Will Rohit Sharma play the series finale? Gautam Gambhir reacts" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">SCG Test: Will Rohit Sharma play the series finale? Gautam Gambhir reacts</a>
However, he returned to the opening slot for the Boxing Day Test but failed to impress as he scored 3 and 9. His manner of dismissal was also a huge talking point, having thrown away his wicket on the last day of the MCG Test. <o:p></o:p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Gill to return<o:p></o:p></h2>
If the report is true, Gill will be back in the India team&rsquo;s Playing XI having sat out of the Boxing Day Test. The Indian batter is likely to play at No. 3, meaning KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal will play in the opening spot. There are also talks of Dhruv Jurel coming into the team in case the team management decides to drop Rishabh Pant. However, Virat Kohli will remain unbothered and will feature in the final contest as India look to retain the BGT and keep their remote World Test Championship (WTC) final qualification hopes alive.

Sports, Cricket: According to several media reports, Rohit Sharma has informed chief selector Agarkar and head coach Gambhir that he will not play in the SCG contest.

Indian Test team captain Rohit Sharma will sit out of the Sydney Test match against Australia starting on Friday (Jan 3) as the two sides prepare for the series finale. According to several media reports, Rohit has informed chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir that he will not play in the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) contest with Shubman Gill replacing him in the batting order. The likely change will also see Jasprit Bumrah captain the side as he did in the Perth Test in November. Rohit Sharma to sit out of SCG Test? According to a report in The Indian Express, Rohit has informed the team management of his decision to sit out of the key tie as India are trailing 1-2 in the five-match series. So far in five innings in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Indian skipper has scored just 31 runs and has been going through a rough patch. He returned to the Indian side for the Adelaide Test and batted in the middle order, having opted to play out of his preferred opening spot. ALSO READ | SCG Test: Will Rohit Sharma play the series finale? Gautam Gambhir reacts However, he returned to the opening slot for the Boxing Day Test but failed to impress as he scored 3 and 9. His manner of dismissal was also a huge talking point, having thrown away his wicket on the last day of the MCG Test. Gill to return If the report is true, Gill will be back in the India team’s Playing XI having sat out of the Boxing Day Test. The Indian batter is likely to play at No. 3, meaning KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal will play in the opening spot. There are also talks of Dhruv Jurel coming into the team in case the team management decides to drop Rishabh Pant. However, Virat Kohli will remain unbothered and will feature in the final contest as India look to retain the BGT and keep their remote World Test Championship (WTC) final qualification hopes alive.

BGT 2024-25: Rohit Sharma opts out of Sydney Test amid poor form; Shubman Gill set to return - Report

India head coach Gautam Gambhir remained tight-lipped about captain Rohit Sharma's inclusion in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) final Test versus Australia, at the SCG, Sydney on Thursday (Jan 2). The fifth and final Test commences on Friday (Jan 3). With the series on the line for the visitors, Rohit skipped the pre-match presser. When a journalist repeatedly asked about Rohit, Gambhir remained non-committal regarding Hitman's inclusion and the team combination.
Rohit was seen&nbsp;during the warm-ups, shadow-practising his drives and kicking a football around with the teammates. However, his absence from the presser raised some eyebrows. With his form being very poor in the ongoing BGT, his absence led to many speculations. In this regard, Gambhir said, "Everything is fine with Rohit. I don't think it's a tradition (of captain attending the pre-match presser). The head coach is here. That should be fine, that should be good enough. I am going to have a look at the wicket and finalise it tomorrow."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/border-gavaskar-trophy-2024-25-mitchell-starc-declared-fit-debutant-replaces-mitchell-marsh-as-australia-name-playing-xi-for-scg-test-versus-india-8584136" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BGT: Mitchell Starc declared fit, debutant replaces Mitchell Marsh as Australia name playing XI for SCG Test</a>
When asked if Rohit would feature in India's plans, Gambhir reiterated: "As I just said, we are going to have a look at the wicket and announce the playing XI tomorrow." On being asked further, the former Indian opener added firmly, "The answer is the same."
Gambhir, however, confirmed that pacer Akash Deep will miss the Sydney Test due to back issue.
For Rohit the scores have so far been 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 in the ongoing BGT in Australia.
He ended 2024 with 619 runs at an average of 24.76 in the longest format of the game, with many calling for his Test retirement post the Australia tour.
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Meanwhile, Australia named their playing XI for the SCG Test. With them leading the five-match series 2-1, the hosts have dropped Mitchell Marsh whereas Mitchell Starc has been declared fit.
<h2>Australia XI for New Year's Test vs India</h2>
<div class="post-content">
Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
</div>

Cricket, Sports | Border-Gavaskar 2024-25: Will Rohit Sharma play the  Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) Test in Sydney? India head coach Gautam Gambhir reacts 

India head coach Gautam Gambhir remained tight-lipped about captain Rohit Sharma's inclusion in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) final Test versus Australia, at the SCG, Sydney on Thursday (Jan 2). The fifth and final Test commences on Friday (Jan 3). With the series on the line for the visitors, Rohit skipped the pre-match presser. When a journalist repeatedly asked about Rohit, Gambhir remained non-committal regarding Hitman's inclusion and the team combination. Rohit was seen during the warm-ups, shadow-practising his drives and kicking a football around with the teammates. However, his absence from the presser raised some eyebrows. With his form being very poor in the ongoing BGT, his absence led to many speculations. In this regard, Gambhir said, "Everything is fine with Rohit. I don't think it's a tradition (of captain attending the pre-match presser). The head coach is here. That should be fine, that should be good enough. I am going to have a look at the wicket and finalise it tomorrow." Also read: BGT: Mitchell Starc declared fit, debutant replaces Mitchell Marsh as Australia name playing XI for SCG Test When asked if Rohit would feature in India's plans, Gambhir reiterated: "As I just said, we are going to have a look at the wicket and announce the playing XI tomorrow." On being asked further, the former Indian opener added firmly, "The answer is the same." Gambhir, however, confirmed that pacer Akash Deep will miss the Sydney Test due to back issue. For Rohit the scores have so far been 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 in the ongoing BGT in Australia. He ended 2024 with 619 runs at an average of 24.76 in the longest format of the game, with many calling for his Test retirement post the Australia tour. Meanwhile, Australia named their playing XI for the SCG Test. With them leading the five-match series 2-1, the hosts have dropped Mitchell Marsh whereas Mitchell Starc has been declared fit. Australia XI for New Year's Test vs India Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.

SCG Test: Will Rohit Sharma play the series finale? Gautam Gambhir reacts

India&rsquo;s Jasprit Bumrah has cemented his place at the top of the ICC Test bowler&rsquo;s rankings after a dazzling show in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. In the latest rankings released on Wednesday (Jan 1), Bumrah is at the top of the charts with ranking points of 907. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have taken a massive hit and dropped to the 40th and 24th spots respectively.
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Bumrah leads the way in rankings</h2>
Having enjoyed a superb last couple of months, Bumrah has made the most of the BGT, leading the way with 30 wickets with still a match to go in Sydney. He was named Player of the Match in the Perth contest as Australia were beaten by a record margin of 295 runs. He played a key role in the match by scalping eight wickets.
Excluding the second innings in the Adelaide Test, Bumrah has minimum bagged three wickets in each Australian innings. His numbers are more impressive when we compare him to captain Rohit Sharma, who has scored just 31 runs in the series. On three occasions, Bumrah has bagged a five-for, highlighting his importance in the side.&nbsp;
The next successful Indian bowler on the list is Mohammed Siraj with 16 wickets, while Akash Deep is third with five wickets.
ALSO READ | <a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-india-coach-ravi-shastri-calls-for-two-tier-structure-in-test-cricket-with-relegation-and-promotion-8582488" aria-label="Former India coach Ravi Shastri calls for two-tier structure in Test cricket with relegation and promotion" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Former India coach Ravi Shastri calls for two-tier structure in Test cricket with relegation and promotion</a>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Virat, Rohit take massive hit</h2>
Having scored only 31 runs in the Test series, Rohit was certain to take a hit in ranking as his form has become a major concern for the Indian team management. Rohit has been facing huge criticism after having scored in double figures only once in five innings. So far he has mustered scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9, making him a weak link in the Indian side.
Virat, on the other hand, has also suffered a dip in form despite having scored a hundred in Perth in the opening contest. Excluding that innings, he has been far from his best with just 67 runs in the remaining innings.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Sports, Cricket:  In the latest rankings released on Wednesday (Jan 1), Bumrah is at the top of the charts with ranking points of 907 ,while VIrat Kohli and Rohit Sharma took a hit. 

India’s Jasprit Bumrah has cemented his place at the top of the ICC Test bowler’s rankings after a dazzling show in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. In the latest rankings released on Wednesday (Jan 1), Bumrah is at the top of the charts with ranking points of 907. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have taken a massive hit and dropped to the 40th and 24th spots respectively. Bumrah leads the way in rankings Having enjoyed a superb last couple of months, Bumrah has made the most of the BGT, leading the way with 30 wickets with still a match to go in Sydney. He was named Player of the Match in the Perth contest as Australia were beaten by a record margin of 295 runs. He played a key role in the match by scalping eight wickets. Excluding the second innings in the Adelaide Test, Bumrah has minimum bagged three wickets in each Australian innings. His numbers are more impressive when we compare him to captain Rohit Sharma, who has scored just 31 runs in the series. On three occasions, Bumrah has bagged a five-for, highlighting his importance in the side. The next successful Indian bowler on the list is Mohammed Siraj with 16 wickets, while Akash Deep is third with five wickets. ALSO READ | Former India coach Ravi Shastri calls for two-tier structure in Test cricket with relegation and promotion Virat, Rohit take massive hit Having scored only 31 runs in the Test series, Rohit was certain to take a hit in ranking as his form has become a major concern for the Indian team management. Rohit has been facing huge criticism after having scored in double figures only once in five innings. So far he has mustered scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9, making him a weak link in the Indian side. Virat, on the other hand, has also suffered a dip in form despite having scored a hundred in Perth in the opening contest. Excluding that innings, he has been far from his best with just 67 runs in the remaining innings.

ICC rankings: Jasprit Bumrah cements top spot after dazzling BGT show

Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar shared his take on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Test future after India's MCG Test defeat versus Australia, on Monday (Dec 30), in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). India lost the fourth and penultimate Test by 184 runs, in pursuit of 340 on Day 5, as Rohit and Kohli's poor run continued.&nbsp;
Both Rohit and Kohli have struggled for runs in the ongoing India-Australia series. While Kohli scored a hundred in the series opener, the right-hander has four single-digit scores and not a single half-century. For Rohit, he has scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 in the series. Thus, Gavaskar opined on their red-ball future and feels it is the selectors' call whether they want Rohit-Kohli to carry on.
"It actually all depends on the selectors. I'm not a good reader of the crystal ball, because in Indian cricket, nobody can read a crystal ball. That is a fact. But the contributions which were expected have not come. I don't think it's a lower-order problem. It's the top order that has to contribute. So, I mean, the seniors have not really made the contribution that they should have and all that they had to do was to bat out today and live to fight another day in Sydney," Gavaskar said to India Today.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-rohit-sharmas-retirement-rumours-catch-fire-after-langers-body-language-remark-8578916" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BGT - Rohit's retirement rumours catch fire after Langer&rsquo;s &lsquo;body language&rsquo; remark</a>
Talking about the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, in Melbourne, Rohit-led India opted to bowl first. Riding on Steve Smith's 140, the fifties from debutant Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja and valuable contributions from the lower-order, Australia posted 474. In reply, India were tottering at 221-7 before Nitish Reddy's 114 propelled the visitors to 369.
With a lead of 105, Australia got dismissed for 234 in their second innings, despite being reduced to 91-6 at one stage. Setting a target of 340 on the final day, Australia dismissed India for 155.&nbsp;
Aussie skipper Pat Cummins was adjudged the Player-of-the-Match for a six-wicket match haul and 49 and 41 runs with the bat.
Australia lead the 2024-25 BGT 2-1 with the final Test commencing in Sydney on Jan 3 (Friday).&nbsp;

Cricket, Sports | Border-Gavaskar Trophy: 'Nobody can read a crystal ball,' Sunil Gavaskar shares his take on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Test future

Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar shared his take on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's Test future after India's MCG Test defeat versus Australia, on Monday (Dec 30), in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). India lost the fourth and penultimate Test by 184 runs, in pursuit of 340 on Day 5, as Rohit and Kohli's poor run continued. Both Rohit and Kohli have struggled for runs in the ongoing India-Australia series. While Kohli scored a hundred in the series opener, the right-hander has four single-digit scores and not a single half-century. For Rohit, he has scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 in the series. Thus, Gavaskar opined on their red-ball future and feels it is the selectors' call whether they want Rohit-Kohli to carry on. "It actually all depends on the selectors. I'm not a good reader of the crystal ball, because in Indian cricket, nobody can read a crystal ball. That is a fact. But the contributions which were expected have not come. I don't think it's a lower-order problem. It's the top order that has to contribute. So, I mean, the seniors have not really made the contribution that they should have and all that they had to do was to bat out today and live to fight another day in Sydney," Gavaskar said to India Today. Also read: BGT - Rohit's retirement rumours catch fire after Langer’s ‘body language’ remark Talking about the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, in Melbourne, Rohit-led India opted to bowl first. Riding on Steve Smith's 140, the fifties from debutant Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja and valuable contributions from the lower-order, Australia posted 474. In reply, India were tottering at 221-7 before Nitish Reddy's 114 propelled the visitors to 369. With a lead of 105, Australia got dismissed for 234 in their second innings, despite being reduced to 91-6 at one stage. Setting a target of 340 on the final day, Australia dismissed India for 155. Aussie skipper Pat Cummins was adjudged the Player-of-the-Match for a six-wicket match haul and 49 and 41 runs with the bat. Australia lead the 2024-25 BGT 2-1 with the final Test commencing in Sydney on Jan 3 (Friday).

BGT: 'Nobody can....', Sunil Gavaskar shares his take on Rohit and Kohli's Test future

Indian captain Rohit Sharma has made headlines lately for all bad reasons. As if his poor run with the bat in hand wasn&rsquo;t enough, his tactical changes on the field baffled a whole fan base worldwide. After India lost the Boxing Day Test by 184 runs, conceding a one-nil lead after the series opener in Perth, Rohit finds himself in a tight spot, with talk of his potential Test retirement looming.
Although social media is flooded with expert advice on what the batting veterans&mdash;Rohit and Virat Kohli&mdash;should do given their poor run of form in this series, the former Australian coach Justin Langer&rsquo;s latest remarks on Rohit&rsquo;s &lsquo;tired body language&rsquo; have fuelled up that conversation again.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/coach-conrad-unapologetic-about-south-africas-easy-route-to-wtc-final-2025-8578778" rel="dofollow">Coach Conrad unapologetic about South Africa's easy route to WTC Final</a>
During the post-match presser, Rohit stressed trying to do more rights than wrongs in the Sydney Test in the quest to keep India's WTC Final 2025 hopes alive; with that, he indicated on retaining his place in the XI for the final Test despite scoring just 31 runs across five innings on this tour thus far.
Even during Australia&rsquo;s second innings, when Jasprit Bumrah reduced them to 91 for six, picking three wickets in 11 balls after lunch, Rohit&rsquo;s defensive tactics helped the hosts gain momentum, eventually ending the day with their heads held high. A 50-plus run stand for the tenth wicket exposed Rohit&rsquo;s strategies, which looked tired and out of place, just like his body language.
"Rohit Sharma looks very tired to me. I saw him quite emotional on the field yesterday. That's unusual for us to see Rohit like that. He's usually so calm, so chilled out. But he was showing his emotions; he looks tired,&rdquo; Langer said after Australia clinched their first Test against India at the MCG since 2011.&nbsp;
&ldquo;It's understandable because, as a cricketer, when you're not making runs, that's all that stays on your mind. And as captain, if you're not making runs and your team is not winning, the stress starts to come into the game.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Whether he can get up for Sydney, that's up to him. It's a big challenge. India need him to get up to speed in Sydney," Langer continued, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
<h2>Langer on Virat</h2>
Keeping aside his famous hundred at the Optus Stadium in the BGT opener, Kohli has been short of runs since, with his dismissals&nbsp; in similar manner across innings (outside the off stump) adding salt to injury.
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Edged and caught behind the wicket, all of Virat Kohli's dismissals this series have had a common theme <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/5mz5SGcAbh">pic.twitter.com/5mz5SGcAbh</a>
&mdash; 7Cricket (@7Cricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/7Cricket/status/1873544972500410662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
Langer, however, believes Kohli&rsquo;s fitness and hunger for runs will return sooner.
"With Virat, I agree [with Shastri]. He looked excellent in that first innings. Maybe the run out [of Jaiswal] did ruffle him, but we were surprised to see him get out the way he did. He is still a great player, is in outstanding physical condition, and all Indians would be hoping he comes good," Langer noted.
Meanwhile, Australia now lead the five-match series 2-1, with the final match scheduled in Sydney for the January 3 start.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket: Although social media is flooded with advice on what the batting veterans Rohit and Virat Kohli should do, Langer’s latest remarks on Rohit’s ‘body language’ fuelled the conversation again. 

Indian captain Rohit Sharma has made headlines lately for all bad reasons. As if his poor run with the bat in hand wasn’t enough, his tactical changes on the field baffled a whole fan base worldwide. After India lost the Boxing Day Test by 184 runs, conceding a one-nil lead after the series opener in Perth, Rohit finds himself in a tight spot, with talk of his potential Test retirement looming. Although social media is flooded with expert advice on what the batting veterans—Rohit and Virat Kohli—should do given their poor run of form in this series, the former Australian coach Justin Langer’s latest remarks on Rohit’s ‘tired body language’ have fuelled up that conversation again. Also read | Coach Conrad unapologetic about South Africa's easy route to WTC Final During the post-match presser, Rohit stressed trying to do more rights than wrongs in the Sydney Test in the quest to keep India's WTC Final 2025 hopes alive; with that, he indicated on retaining his place in the XI for the final Test despite scoring just 31 runs across five innings on this tour thus far. Even during Australia’s second innings, when Jasprit Bumrah reduced them to 91 for six, picking three wickets in 11 balls after lunch, Rohit’s defensive tactics helped the hosts gain momentum, eventually ending the day with their heads held high. A 50-plus run stand for the tenth wicket exposed Rohit’s strategies, which looked tired and out of place, just like his body language. "Rohit Sharma looks very tired to me. I saw him quite emotional on the field yesterday. That's unusual for us to see Rohit like that. He's usually so calm, so chilled out. But he was showing his emotions; he looks tired,” Langer said after Australia clinched their first Test against India at the MCG since 2011. “It's understandable because, as a cricketer, when you're not making runs, that's all that stays on your mind. And as captain, if you're not making runs and your team is not winning, the stress starts to come into the game. “Whether he can get up for Sydney, that's up to him. It's a big challenge. India need him to get up to speed in Sydney," Langer continued, as quoted by Hindustan Times. Langer on Virat Keeping aside his famous hundred at the Optus Stadium in the BGT opener, Kohli has been short of runs since, with his dismissals in similar manner across innings (outside the off stump) adding salt to injury. Edged and caught behind the wicket, all of Virat Kohli's dismissals this series have had a common theme #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/5mz5SGcAbh — 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 30, 2024 Langer, however, believes Kohli’s fitness and hunger for runs will return sooner. "With Virat, I agree [with Shastri]. He looked excellent in that first innings. Maybe the run out [of Jaiswal] did ruffle him, but we were surprised to see him get out the way he did. He is still a great player, is in outstanding physical condition, and all Indians would be hoping he comes good," Langer noted. Meanwhile, Australia now lead the five-match series 2-1, with the final match scheduled in Sydney for the January 3 start. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT - Rohit's retirement rumours get more fuel after Langer’s ‘body language’ remark

Indian captain Rohit Sharma is under massive scrutiny for his below-par performance in the ongoing BGT Down Under. Having failed with the bat since his return to the Test side, Rohit&rsquo;s future in the whites has started to look gloomy, with Irfan Pathan saying that wearing the captain&rsquo;s hat has been saving his place in the Test team.
India lost the fourth Test at the MCG by 184 runs, conceding the lead they took with a staggering win in the series opener in Perth, where Rohit remained absent for personal reasons and ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah captained in his place. Rohit, however, returned to the XI from the second game at the Adelaide Oval, where Australia won by ten wickets.&nbsp;
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LYON DOES IT! What a remarkable win for Australia! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/SGbA3R797X">pic.twitter.com/SGbA3R797X</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1873617184385077618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
India was on the back foot in the next two matches at the Gabba and MCG, respectively. Though the third Test ended in a draw, thanks to several rain interruptions, the hosts beat India at the &lsquo;G&rsquo; for the first time since 2011, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/icc-awards-2024-jasprit-bumrah-nominated-for-sir-garfield-sobers-trophy-for-mens-cricketer-of-the-year-8578356" rel="dofollow">Bumrah rewarded with twin ICC Awards nominations for a staggering 2024</a>
Besides the results, Rohit&rsquo;s poor performance across five innings has been no short of an embarrassment; having scored just 31 runs on this tour, Rohit not finding his groove at all is a worrying point for the veteran batter and the team management.
Amidst reports of the selectors contemplating Rohit&rsquo;s future in the longer format beyond the fifth and final BGT Test at the SCG, starting January 3, the right-handed batter will continue as the captain and an opener in Sydney.&nbsp;
Pathan, a cricketer-turned-broadcaster, explains what, despite his horrible show with the bat, helped Rohit retain his place in the XI.
<h2>What&rsquo;s going wrong with Rohit&rsquo;s form?</h2>
&ldquo;A player who has made about 20,000 runs&mdash;yet the way Rohit is struggling now, it seems his form is not supporting him at all,&rdquo; Pathan said on Star Sports following the MCG Test loss.
&ldquo;What&rsquo;s happening now is that he is the captain, so he is playing. If he were not the captain, he might not be playing right now. You would have had a set team. K.L. Rahul would have been playing at the top, Jaiswal would have been there, and Shubman Gill would have been there. If we talk about reality, considering how he is struggling with the bat, there might not have been a place for him in the playing XI,&rdquo; he continued.&nbsp;
Now, with Rohit back at the top after a few failures down the order, KL Rahul is demoted to number three, with Shubman Gill out of the XI. Considering India has to win the next Test in Sydney to give them any chance of qualifying for the WTC Final 2025, they might press the panic button, bringing in Gill and continuing playing Bumrah despite fearing burnout.&nbsp;
&ldquo;But because he is the captain, and you want to win the next match to draw the series, he stays in the team.&nbsp;
&ldquo;But his form is so poor. Even in India, even before coming here, he wasn&rsquo;t scoring runs, and he still hasn&rsquo;t scored runs. This is a very disappointing scene when I see Rohit Sharma batting.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Because whenever I see Rohit Sharma batting, I always want to see him bat, whether it is Test cricket or one-day cricket. But now, his form, the way he is going forward, whether it is his mindset or the coordination with his body, I can&rsquo;t see that at all,&rdquo; he added.
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket: Having scored just 31 runs on this tour thus far, Rohit Sharma not finding his groove at all is a worrying point for the veteran batter and the team management.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma is under massive scrutiny for his below-par performance in the ongoing BGT Down Under. Having failed with the bat since his return to the Test side, Rohit’s future in the whites has started to look gloomy, with Irfan Pathan saying that wearing the captain’s hat has been saving his place in the Test team. India lost the fourth Test at the MCG by 184 runs, conceding the lead they took with a staggering win in the series opener in Perth, where Rohit remained absent for personal reasons and ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah captained in his place. Rohit, however, returned to the XI from the second game at the Adelaide Oval, where Australia won by ten wickets. LYON DOES IT! What a remarkable win for Australia! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/SGbA3R797X — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 30, 2024 India was on the back foot in the next two matches at the Gabba and MCG, respectively. Though the third Test ended in a draw, thanks to several rain interruptions, the hosts beat India at the ‘G’ for the first time since 2011, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Also read | Bumrah rewarded with twin ICC Awards nominations for a staggering 2024 Besides the results, Rohit’s poor performance across five innings has been no short of an embarrassment; having scored just 31 runs on this tour, Rohit not finding his groove at all is a worrying point for the veteran batter and the team management. Amidst reports of the selectors contemplating Rohit’s future in the longer format beyond the fifth and final BGT Test at the SCG, starting January 3, the right-handed batter will continue as the captain and an opener in Sydney. Pathan, a cricketer-turned-broadcaster, explains what, despite his horrible show with the bat, helped Rohit retain his place in the XI. What’s going wrong with Rohit’s form? “A player who has made about 20,000 runs—yet the way Rohit is struggling now, it seems his form is not supporting him at all,” Pathan said on Star Sports following the MCG Test loss. “What’s happening now is that he is the captain, so he is playing. If he were not the captain, he might not be playing right now. You would have had a set team. K.L. Rahul would have been playing at the top, Jaiswal would have been there, and Shubman Gill would have been there. If we talk about reality, considering how he is struggling with the bat, there might not have been a place for him in the playing XI,” he continued. Now, with Rohit back at the top after a few failures down the order, KL Rahul is demoted to number three, with Shubman Gill out of the XI. Considering India has to win the next Test in Sydney to give them any chance of qualifying for the WTC Final 2025, they might press the panic button, bringing in Gill and continuing playing Bumrah despite fearing burnout. “But because he is the captain, and you want to win the next match to draw the series, he stays in the team. “But his form is so poor. Even in India, even before coming here, he wasn’t scoring runs, and he still hasn’t scored runs. This is a very disappointing scene when I see Rohit Sharma batting.” “Because whenever I see Rohit Sharma batting, I always want to see him bat, whether it is Test cricket or one-day cricket. But now, his form, the way he is going forward, whether it is his mindset or the coordination with his body, I can’t see that at all,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

BGT - Irfan Pathan reveals reason behind Rohit Sharma's selection amid form worry

India, Australia and Sri Lanka - all remain in contention for the one remaining spot in the WTC Final 2025. After South Africa became the first team to qualify directly for the summit clash scheduled for June 2025 at Lord&rsquo;s, Australia strengthened their chances of reaching their second WTC Final on the trot after beating India in the fourth BGT Test at the MCG by 184 runs.
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LYON DOES IT! What a remarkable win for Australia! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/SGbA3R797X">pic.twitter.com/SGbA3R797X</a>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1873617184385077618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
Though that win hasn&rsquo;t guaranteed them a spot in the grand finale yet, it squashed India&rsquo;s chances of making it thrice in a row, leaving the final match of the marquee series at the SCG to decide their fate. It remains bleak, but they still have an outside chance of reaching the WTC Final and completing their trophy cabinet with the only ICC title that has eluded them till now.
<h2>How can India still qualify for WTC Final after MCG loss?</h2>
India lost the fourth Test at the MCG&mdash;their second of the series to the hosts, conceding the lead they took after bagging a massive win in the series opener in Perth. With the scoreline reading 2-1 in Australia&rsquo;s favour, they are beaming confidently, entering the fifth Test of the series with an upper hand over India.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-pat-cummins-rates-mcg-test-win-over-india-his-greatest-ever-in-australian-jersey-8577760" rel="dofollow">BGT &ndash; Pat Cummins rates MCG Test win over India his &lsquo;greatest ever&rsquo;</a>
For India to reach the WTC Final 2025, they must not only beat Australia significantly but also hope for other results to fall in place for them. Should India win at the SCG, their PCT (of 55.26) would be enough for them to finish second if Australia achieves no more than just a draw in two Tests in Sri Lanka. In that case, Australia&rsquo;s PCT would read 53.51, while Sri Lanka would finish at 48.72 (with one win).&nbsp;
However, in case of a draw in the final match of the series, India&rsquo;s PCT would drop to 51.75, ruling them out of the WTC Final race; and this is because even if Australia play a draw at the SCG and lose to Sri Lanka 0-2, they would finish on 53.51, while Sri Lanka would climb up to 53.85, piping India and Australia to qualify for their maiden WTC Final.
<h3>Which team stands a better chance?</h3>
Following the win in the MCG Test, Australia is a frontrunner to qualify for the WTC Final 2025 and face South Africa in the clash of titans.&nbsp;
Should they beat India at the SCG Test starting January 3 next year, Australia will qualify regardless of the result against Sri Lanka that follows.&nbsp;
If they win the final Test in Sydney, which sees them bagging the coveted BGT after ten years, and lose the two games in the Island Nation, their PCT would read 57.02 compared to India&rsquo;s 50 and Sri Lanka&rsquo;s 53.85.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket: South Africa qualified for their maiden WTC Final 2025 after beating Pakistan in the first Test in Centurion. India, Australia and Sri Lanka, all remain active in race. 

India, Australia and Sri Lanka - all remain in contention for the one remaining spot in the WTC Final 2025. After South Africa became the first team to qualify directly for the summit clash scheduled for June 2025 at Lord’s, Australia strengthened their chances of reaching their second WTC Final on the trot after beating India in the fourth BGT Test at the MCG by 184 runs. LYON DOES IT! What a remarkable win for Australia! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/SGbA3R797X — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 30, 2024 Though that win hasn’t guaranteed them a spot in the grand finale yet, it squashed India’s chances of making it thrice in a row, leaving the final match of the marquee series at the SCG to decide their fate. It remains bleak, but they still have an outside chance of reaching the WTC Final and completing their trophy cabinet with the only ICC title that has eluded them till now. How can India still qualify for WTC Final after MCG loss? India lost the fourth Test at the MCG—their second of the series to the hosts, conceding the lead they took after bagging a massive win in the series opener in Perth. With the scoreline reading 2-1 in Australia’s favour, they are beaming confidently, entering the fifth Test of the series with an upper hand over India. Also read | BGT – Pat Cummins rates MCG Test win over India his ‘greatest ever’ For India to reach the WTC Final 2025, they must not only beat Australia significantly but also hope for other results to fall in place for them. Should India win at the SCG, their PCT (of 55.26) would be enough for them to finish second if Australia achieves no more than just a draw in two Tests in Sri Lanka. In that case, Australia’s PCT would read 53.51, while Sri Lanka would finish at 48.72 (with one win). However, in case of a draw in the final match of the series, India’s PCT would drop to 51.75, ruling them out of the WTC Final race; and this is because even if Australia play a draw at the SCG and lose to Sri Lanka 0-2, they would finish on 53.51, while Sri Lanka would climb up to 53.85, piping India and Australia to qualify for their maiden WTC Final. Which team stands a better chance? Following the win in the MCG Test, Australia is a frontrunner to qualify for the WTC Final 2025 and face South Africa in the clash of titans. Should they beat India at the SCG Test starting January 3 next year, Australia will qualify regardless of the result against Sri Lanka that follows. If they win the final Test in Sydney, which sees them bagging the coveted BGT after ten years, and lose the two games in the Island Nation, their PCT would read 57.02 compared to India’s 50 and Sri Lanka’s 53.85. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained - How India can reach the WTC Final after losing MCG Test

Australia beat India by 184 runs on Day 5 of the MCG Test, Melbourne on Monday (Dec 30) to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Chasing 340, in the fourth and penultimate tie, India managed 155 with only Yashasvi Jaiswal (84) showing resistance in the middle before a controversial call adjudged him out. India's top-order struggle continued as their hopes of playing the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, in June 2025, keeps fading away. For Pat Cummins-led Australia, the win marked their first versus India at the G and keeps them on course to meet South Africa in the WTC finale.
Day 5 of the MCG Test kicked off with Australia adding six more runs to their score bundling out for 234, setting a 340-run target. The last-wicket stand between Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland added 61 to frustrate India before Bumrah cleaned up Lyon. Bumrah claimed his third five-fer of the series. He now has 30 wickets in 2024-25 BGT; most by miles. In addition, Bumrah became the first pacer to claim 30 wickets in a BGT (second overall after Harbhajan Singh's 32 in 2001).
Moreover, Bumrah became the first visiting bowler to take 30 wickets in a Test series in Australia since West Indies great Curtly Ambrose (in 1992-93). Also, he is only the second Indian to touch the 30-wicket mark after spin legend Bishan Singh Bedi. Bedi achieved the feat during India's 1967-68 tour of Australia.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-kohli-can-play-3-to-4-more-years-for-rohit-shastri-on-indian-duos-test-future-after-flop-show-in-mcg-test-8576550" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BGT: 'Kohli can play 3 to 4 more years, for Rohit....' - Shastri on Indian duo's Test future after flop show in MCG Test</a>
<h2>Top order struggles and fielding lapses cost India</h2>
Talking about the MCG Test, India opted to bowl first but Steve Smith's 140, fifties from debutant Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and lower-order's vital contributions, headed by skipper Pat Cummins (49), took the hosts to 474. In reply, India's famed batters -- Rohit, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, etc. -- fell flat but Nitish Reddy's 114 and Washington Sundar's 50 took India to 369.
Buoyed by Reddy and Sundar's fightback, India reduced Australia to 91-6, with their overall lead being 196. Bumrah once again led the charge with the ball but also found rare support from the other end, with Mohammed Siraj looking in good rhythm. However, Marnus Labuschagne's 70, Cummins and Lyon's 41 apiece took Australia to 234, also courtesy of India giving plenty of lifelines with several fielding errors.
India had a chance to save the Test match but the likes of Rohit and Kohli failed once again. Jaiswal led the charge but fell short of partners before eventually losing his wicket. The left-hander pulled a delivery off Cummins and was given out, caught-behind. While there was no spike on the Real Time Snickometer (RTS), the side-on replays showed it hit the gloves. Eventually, visual evidence was enough to overturn the decision. Jaiswal, thus, ended the year with the most Test runs by an Indian, second overall -- 1,478.
The MCG Test also scripted history, with 350,700 spectators (a record attendance) flocking to the iconic venue during the course of the game.
The ongoing BGT series is in Australia's favour (with a 2-1 lead), however, India will be desperate to end at 2-2 with a win in the series finale, at the SCG, Sydney. If India succeeds, they will manage to retain the BGT once again, since 2016-17. For the Aussies, they are eager to regain the elusive trophy, having last won in 2014-15.
The final Test of the five-match series commences on Jan 3 (Friday) in Sydney.

Cricket, Sports | Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Australia beat India by 184 runs in the Melbourne Test to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series

Australia beat India by 184 runs on Day 5 of the MCG Test, Melbourne on Monday (Dec 30) to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Chasing 340, in the fourth and penultimate tie, India managed 155 with only Yashasvi Jaiswal (84) showing resistance in the middle before a controversial call adjudged him out. India's top-order struggle continued as their hopes of playing the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, in June 2025, keeps fading away. For Pat Cummins-led Australia, the win marked their first versus India at the G and keeps them on course to meet South Africa in the WTC finale. Day 5 of the MCG Test kicked off with Australia adding six more runs to their score bundling out for 234, setting a 340-run target. The last-wicket stand between Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland added 61 to frustrate India before Bumrah cleaned up Lyon. Bumrah claimed his third five-fer of the series. He now has 30 wickets in 2024-25 BGT; most by miles. In addition, Bumrah became the first pacer to claim 30 wickets in a BGT (second overall after Harbhajan Singh's 32 in 2001). Moreover, Bumrah became the first visiting bowler to take 30 wickets in a Test series in Australia since West Indies great Curtly Ambrose (in 1992-93). Also, he is only the second Indian to touch the 30-wicket mark after spin legend Bishan Singh Bedi. Bedi achieved the feat during India's 1967-68 tour of Australia. Also read: BGT: 'Kohli can play 3 to 4 more years, for Rohit....' - Shastri on Indian duo's Test future after flop show in MCG Test Top order struggles and fielding lapses cost India Talking about the MCG Test, India opted to bowl first but Steve Smith's 140, fifties from debutant Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and lower-order's vital contributions, headed by skipper Pat Cummins (49), took the hosts to 474. In reply, India's famed batters -- Rohit, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, etc. -- fell flat but Nitish Reddy's 114 and Washington Sundar's 50 took India to 369. Buoyed by Reddy and Sundar's fightback, India reduced Australia to 91-6, with their overall lead being 196. Bumrah once again led the charge with the ball but also found rare support from the other end, with Mohammed Siraj looking in good rhythm. However, Marnus Labuschagne's 70, Cummins and Lyon's 41 apiece took Australia to 234, also courtesy of India giving plenty of lifelines with several fielding errors. India had a chance to save the Test match but the likes of Rohit and Kohli failed once again. Jaiswal led the charge but fell short of partners before eventually losing his wicket. The left-hander pulled a delivery off Cummins and was given out, caught-behind. While there was no spike on the Real Time Snickometer (RTS), the side-on replays showed it hit the gloves. Eventually, visual evidence was enough to overturn the decision. Jaiswal, thus, ended the year with the most Test runs by an Indian, second overall -- 1,478. The MCG Test also scripted history, with 350,700 spectators (a record attendance) flocking to the iconic venue during the course of the game. The ongoing BGT series is in Australia's favour (with a 2-1 lead), however, India will be desperate to end at 2-2 with a win in the series finale, at the SCG, Sydney. If India succeeds, they will manage to retain the BGT once again, since 2016-17. For the Aussies, they are eager to regain the elusive trophy, having last won in 2014-15. The final Test of the five-match series commences on Jan 3 (Friday) in Sydney.

BGT: Australia beat India by 184 runs in MCG Test to take unassailable 2-1 lead

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli departed for cheap in India's 340-run chase versus Australia on Day 5 of the fourth and penultimate Test, of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), at the MCG, Melbourne on Monday (Dec 30). Apart from a hundred, Kohli has struggled in the five-match series whereas captain Rohit has had a torrid run in Tests in 2024. Hence, former India coach Ravi Shastri opined on the duo's red-ball future.
<h2>'Virat will play 3-4 more years, it's a call for Rohit'</h2>
Shastri told the broadcaster Star Sports during Day 5's proceedings, at the MCG, Melbourne, "No, I think Virat Kohli will play. Virat will play for some time, forget the way he got out today. I think he will play for 3 or 4 more years."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-chances-for-wtc-final-2025-qualification-scenarios-for-india-wtc-scenario-chances-8575746" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">WTC Final 2025: India's qualification chances and scenarios | Read</a>
"As far as Rohit is concerned, it&rsquo;s a call. At the top of the order, his footwork isn&rsquo;t the same. He is probably, at times, a little late in meeting the ball. So it&rsquo;s his call at the end of the series," Shastri added.
Rohit has had scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 in the ongoing BGT in Australia. Kohli, meanwhile, has scores of 5, 7, 11, 3, 36 and 5 apart from a 100*. Both have struggled in whites in 2024. While Rohit ended the calendar year with 619 runs at an average of 24.76, Kohli fared poorly as well -- 417 runs in 10 Tests, averaging 24.52 in 2024.
Rohit and Kohli fell for 9 and 5, respectively, in India's tall run-chase of 340 in the MCG Test on Day 5. At the time of publishing this report, India are 99-3 in 48 overs with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant batting well in the middle.
The 2024/25 BGT is currently tied at 1-1 with one more Test to play.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy: 'Virat Kohli can play 3 to 4 more years, for Rohit Sharma....' - Ravi Shastri on Indian duo's Test future after flop show in MCG Test

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli departed for cheap in India's 340-run chase versus Australia on Day 5 of the fourth and penultimate Test, of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), at the MCG, Melbourne on Monday (Dec 30). Apart from a hundred, Kohli has struggled in the five-match series whereas captain Rohit has had a torrid run in Tests in 2024. Hence, former India coach Ravi Shastri opined on the duo's red-ball future. 'Virat will play 3-4 more years, it's a call for Rohit' Shastri told the broadcaster Star Sports during Day 5's proceedings, at the MCG, Melbourne, "No, I think Virat Kohli will play. Virat will play for some time, forget the way he got out today. I think he will play for 3 or 4 more years." Also read: WTC Final 2025: India's qualification chances and scenarios | Read "As far as Rohit is concerned, it’s a call. At the top of the order, his footwork isn’t the same. He is probably, at times, a little late in meeting the ball. So it’s his call at the end of the series," Shastri added. Rohit has had scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 in the ongoing BGT in Australia. Kohli, meanwhile, has scores of 5, 7, 11, 3, 36 and 5 apart from a 100*. Both have struggled in whites in 2024. While Rohit ended the calendar year with 619 runs at an average of 24.76, Kohli fared poorly as well -- 417 runs in 10 Tests, averaging 24.52 in 2024. Rohit and Kohli fell for 9 and 5, respectively, in India's tall run-chase of 340 in the MCG Test on Day 5. At the time of publishing this report, India are 99-3 in 48 overs with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant batting well in the middle. The 2024/25 BGT is currently tied at 1-1 with one more Test to play.

BGT: 'Kohli can play 3 to 4 more years, for Rohit....' - Shastri on Indian duo's Test future after flop show in MCG Test

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