Jasprit Bumrah likely to lead in BGT 2024-25 5th Test with Rohit Sharma rested: Reports

Rohit Sharma will reportedly not play the fifth and final Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). According to a report by The Indian Express, the opening batter has opted out of the series-decider, informing coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar of his decision. Jasprit Bumrah is likely to lead the side.

The India captain has been woeful since he returned to the side in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, returning with scores of 3 and 6 in that game while batting at number six. Rohit also batted at number six in the only innings he played in Brisbane and managed only 10 runs before his counterpart Pat Cummins dismissed him. He returned to the opening spot for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne but that didn't make a difference as he recorded another pair of single-figure scores.

Bumrah, meanwhile, was the captain when India consigned Australia to a heavy 295-run defeat in the series opener in Perth as Rohit missed the fixture due to paternity leave. Bumrah is also the highest wicket-taker in the series thus far, claiming 30 wickets in eight innings at 12.83 apiece. The Sydney game will be his third Test as India's captain.

Gautam Gambhir dodges question about Rohit Sharma's inclusion during press confrence

Gautam Gambhir. (Image Credits: Getty)

During the pre-match press confrence on Thursday, January 2, India head coach Gambhir avoided the question about Rohit Sharma's selection. The 43-year-old stated:

"Everything is fine with Rohit and I don't think there is anything traditional. The head coach is there, so that should be fine. We are going to look at the wicket and finalize it tomorrow."

The former opener replied, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo, when asked by another reporter about Rohit's chances of playing in Sydney.

"We're going to have a look at the wicket and finalize it [the XI] tomorrow."

The visitors face a do-or-die situation in Sydney to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and keep their World Test Championship (WTC) final chances alive.