Team India are currently in Sydney preparing for the fifth Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The Men in Blue will feature without regular captain Rohit Sharma and in his absence, Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side. India batter Shubman Gill who missed the first Test match will come into the playing XI for the Pink Test in Sydney.
According to Indian Express, Akash Deep, who is currently recovering from a back spasm, will be benched. Prasidh Krishna, who made his Test debut against South Africa in 2024, will set to feature in place of Akash Deep.
Why Rohit to miss the Sydney Test?
As per Indian Express, Rohit Sharma informed Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar to opt out from the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 and the duo have agreed.
This means KL Rahul will open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill to play at number three. There were reports that, Rishabh Pant will miss the Test but the wicketkeeper batter will stay in the playing XI for the series finale in Sydney. Australia are currently leading 2-1 in the five Test match series and the fifth Test is the last chance for Team India to draw the series. On the other hand, Pat Cummins-led side will look to win this series to seal their berth for the World Test Championship final. Team India also needs to win the Test to stay in the WTC final set race in June this year.