January 2, 2025: Ahead of the pivotal fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Sydney, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the media instead of captain Rohit Sharma, sparking speculation about Rohit’s participation. Gambhir downplayed such theories, explaining it as routine, while avoiding direct answers regarding Rohit’s inclusion in the playing XI.
“Everything is fine with Rohit, and having the head coach speak is not an unusual situation,” Gambhir commented.
When asked about Rohit’s place in the XI, Gambhir remained vague, saying, “We will assess the wicket and finalize the team tomorrow.”
Rohit’s recent struggles have been concerning. Since October 2023, his Test batting average has dropped to 11.69 in seven innings leading up to the Boxing Day Test, and his poor run continued at the MCG with scores of 3 and 9, leaving him with just 31 runs in six innings on the ongoing tour. Bowlers have capitalized on weaknesses in his technique, particularly against pace and good-length deliveries.
India faces additional challenges beyond Rohit’s form. Following a surprising home defeat to New Zealand in 2023, the team finds itself in a phase of transition, with Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement post the Brisbane Test marking one shift. There are also expectations of more difficult decisions ahead as India looks unlikely to qualify for a third consecutive World Test Championship final.
Commenting on the transition, Gambhir emphasized the importance of honesty and performance, saying, “Indian cricket will always be in good hands as long as honest people are in the room. It’s not about replacing senior players or bringing in new faces; performance remains the most important factor, whether it’s players or coaches.”
The MCG defeat highlighted India’s difficulty in balancing aggression with restraint. Rishabh Pant’s approach reflected this struggle—after a controlled period, Pant made a loose shot that contributed to India’s collapse. Responding to criticism, Gambhir affirmed a team-first mentality: “In a team sport, what matters is doing what’s best for the team. Playing a ‘natural game’ is acceptable, but it must align with the team’s needs.”
Despite setbacks, Gambhir is confident India can bounce back in Sydney. “I’m extremely confident. We have the necessary skills and personnel to win here and in the future,” he said.
With Australia leading 2-1, the Sydney Test remains crucial for India’s hopes, and their ability to adjust to form fluctuations and tactical adjustments will determine their fate.