India captain Rohit Sharma is expected to be rested for the fifth test match against Australia in Sydney on Friday, while Jasprit Bumrah will most likely lead the team, NDTV reported, citing sources.
Sharma has been in poor form in the Border Gavaskar Test series, having scored only 31 runs across three matches. He missed the first test to stay with his family after the birth of his second child.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir attended the pre-match press conference alone on Thursday, whereas under the normal circumstances, the captain also participates as part of the leadership responsibilities.
"Everything is fine with Rohit, and I don't think it's anything traditional (fronting up for the pre-match presser)," Gambhir said. "The head coach is here and that should be good enough. We are going to have a look at the wicket and finalise it tomorrow."
According to reports, Sharma is likely to announce his retirement from test cricket after the Sydney test.
Speaking on International Cricket Council review, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri said he would not be shocked if Sharma retires from Test cricket. "He'll (Rohit) take a call on his career, but I won't be shocked at all (if Sharma retires) because he's not getting younger."
“There are other young players in the wings, there's Shubman Gill, a player of his quality averaging over 40 in the year 2024 and not playing," Shastri added.
India needs to win the final test match against Australia to draw the series and retain the Border Gavaskar trophy, and also to keep their slim chances alive for the ICC World Test Championship final.
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