"I don't think they'll drop him" - Michael Clarke on struggling Indian batter ahead of 5th BGT 2024-25 Test

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke felt Indian skipper Rohit Sharma will continue to be part of the playing XI in the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney, starting January 3. Rohit has been in woeful form thus far in the series, scoring 31 runs in five innings at an average of 6.20.

His poor Test form extends to the home series against Bangladesh after which he is averaging under 11 in 15 innings with a lone half-century. Rohit's struggles have meant India are on the brink of a series defeat, trailing 1-2 after four Tests in the best-of-five series.

Talking about Rohit's dismal run on the Around the Wicket Podcast, Clarke said [0:28]:

"Some people the captaincy helps, some people it doesn't ( on Rohit's much worse batting numbers as captain). I certainly think he'll play in Sydney, I don't think they'll drop him. Rohit has earned the right and he is captain and when you are captain, there is more leeway as well."

He added:

"I Think they'll allow Rohit to walk away on his own terms. I am not sure what Rohit feels captaincy wise. He's just had his second child so not sure what happens next but I would imagine he'll play in Sydney."

Rohit Sharma has historically struggled in Tests down under, evidenced by his average of 24.38 with no centuries in 10 outings.

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"Looks an unsettled lineup" - Aaron Finch

BORDER GAVASKAR TROPHY TEST: DEC 30 NRMA Insurance Boxing Day Test - Source: Getty

Another former Australian captain Aaron Finch felt the Indian side has looked unsettled since Rohit Sharma's return in the second Test.

Rohit missed the series opener due to the birth of his second child and India, under Jasprit Bumrah, pulled off an emphatic 295-run win. However, they have lost two of the next three Tests since Rohit took over captaincy duties.

"He'll definitely play ( Sydney). The alarming thing for me is how well they ( India) played under Bumrah's captaincy in Perth and they've come back here and it looks an unsettled lineup since he (Rohit) has come back," said Finch [1.14].

Team India enjoyed incredible success at the top with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal opening and putting on a double-century stand in the second innings of their victory in Perth. It meant Rohit batted at No.6 in the second and third Tests at Adelaide and Brisbane before returning to his customary opening position for the Melbourne outing.

Unfortunately for India, the move backfired as Rohit continued his poor form and Rahul failed in both innings while batting at No.3.