Gautam Gambhir drops massive statement in response to query on Rohit Sharma playing BGT 2024-25 5th Test

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has refused to confirm Rohit Sharma's presence in the playing XI for the fifth and final Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test, to be played in Sydney from January 3 onwards. The former player surprised many by turning up for the pre-match press conference since the norm is for the team captain to address the press ahead of a match.

Team India have constantly tinkered with the playing XI in the series so far, with none of the candidates guaranteed a spot. The head coach was asked about regular skipper Rohit Sharma's presence and role in the playing XI amid his poor run of scores and rumors of retirement from Test cricket.

Gambhir did not confirm the captain's presence, which should have been the regulation response. The head coach said the team combination would depend on the nature of the wicket and be determined on the morning of the contest.

“We shall look at the pitch and take a call tomorrow,” Gambhir replied to the query regarding Rohit Sharma's presence in the playing XI (via The Indian Express).

Rohit Sharma has had a series to forget in Australia so far. After missing the series opener in Perth, the Hitman assumed a role in the middle order, allowing KL Rahul to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, after a couple of matches with poor scores, Rohit returned to the top, only to score 3 and 9 in the Boxing Day Test.

Gambhir added that he was looking forward to the transition period in both the batting and bowling departments.

"This is an exciting time. This time, there will be a transition in both departments (batting and bowling), unlike before when there was transition from only one side," he added.

A few major changes are in store for Indian cricket, with Ravichandran Ashwin's unexpected retirement potentially being the first.

"Akash Deep is out with a back issue" - Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir

Team India will be playing the fifth Test in Sydney with at least one forced change. Pacer Akash Deep has been ruled out of the series finale due to a back spasm, which Gambhir confirmed during the pre-match press conference.

The right-arm pacer had put in a dedicated shift in the third and fourth Tests of the series in Brisbane and Melbourne, respectively. The Men in Blue have the option of bringing back Harshit Rana into the mix, with Prasidh Krishna also being an option in the pace bowling reserves.

"Akash Deep is out with a back issue," Gambhir told reporters (via India Today).

The fifth Test between India and Australia is scheduled to begin on January 3. The hosts have a 2-1 lead after four matches.