India's predicted playing XI for the 5th BGT 2024-25 Test vs Australia | January 3, 2025

India are all set to lock horns with Australia in the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The encounter will be contested at the Sydney Cricket Ground from Friday, January 3.

The series is 2-1 in Australia's favor following their comprehensive win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The visitors need a win to retain the BGT, but unfortunately for them, they have been ravaged by a spate of unpleasant incidents within the camp. As a result of that, their ideal side for the Sydney Test is up for debate.

India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Tanush Kotian, R Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Devdutt Padikkal.

As the visitors attempt to salvage the series, which route will they take? On that note, here's India's predicted playing XI for the fifth Test against Australia.

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Openers: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul

BOXING DAY TEST: DEC 07 NRMA Insurance Day-Night Test - Source: Getty

Captain Rohit Sharma was reportedly listless in India's final practice session and had long talks with a number of players. Head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to confirm that the senior batter would be a part of the playing XI for the Sydney Test, hinting at him potentially sitting out.

If that happens, and it seems likely, India are expected to return to their pairing of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul at the top of the order. While Jaiswal has gone from strength to strength in the series so far, Rahul has tapered off after a bright start and needs to come good.

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Middle Order: Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy

BOXING DAY TEST: DEC 07 NRMA Insurance Day-Night Test - Source: Getty

Shubman Gill could replace Rohit and return to his preferred No. 3 spot, although he should ideally bat lower down the order in the long run. Virat Kohli, meanwhile, could escape the ax that seems to have injured Rohit and continue to take up the No. 4 role.

The rest of India's middle order is expected to wear a similar look. Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy will need to be at their absolute best in Sydney if the visitors are to post match-winning totals.

There are some reports that shed light on India's apparent desire to play Dhruv Jurel in a bid to lengthen their batting, but it would be harsh of them to drop any of their current options in the middle order.

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Lower Order: Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah (c), Prasidh Krishna

India Test Squad Training Session - Source: Getty

Washington Sundar could hold on to his place ahead of Jurel, thanks to his composed half-century in the first innings of the Melbourne Test.

Akash Deep has been ruled out of the final encounter due to a back injury, and Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna will replace him. Prasidh seems to be the frontrunner at this point.

Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack, with Mohammed Siraj giving him company.