Shubman Gill IN, Rohit Sharma OUT? 2 Changes India Makes In Their Playing XI For The SCG Test Against Australia

As the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 approaches at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), the Indian team is in the midst of a major lineup shake-up. With the series hanging in the balance and Australia leading 2-1, the changes to the playing XI come as India attempts to recover from a heavy loss in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The loss was a significant setback, and the upcoming match at SCG could determine whether India can salvage the series or if Australia will seal the deal with a comprehensive win.

India’s leadership and team management have made two crucial decisions in response to the challenges faced in the previous matches. The changes involve Rohit Sharma’s absence from the playing XI and Akash Deep’s injury, which has prompted the need for fresh faces in India’s lineup.

Let’s dive deeper into the reasons behind these changes, their implications on India’s strategies, and what fans can expect from the revamped squad heading into the decisive final Test.

Rohit Sharma to Miss the Sydney Test: A Possible End to His Test Career?

In what has come as a significant shock to Indian cricket fans, Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian team, will reportedly miss the fifth Test in Sydney due to undisclosed reasons. This development raises several questions about his future in Test cricket, with some sources suggesting that this could mark the end of Rohit Sharma’s Test career.

Rohit Sharma’s Form and Leadership Under Scrutiny

The exclusion of Rohit Sharma has been the subject of much debate. The Indian captain has had a rough time in the ongoing series, with his batting form coming under intense scrutiny. After struggling in the earlier Tests, Rohit’s form took a hit when he managed only 31 runs in five innings during the fourth Test at the MCG, averaging just 6.2. These figures paint a bleak picture for the seasoned opener, whose performances had already been inconsistent leading up to this Test.

His struggles with the bat, combined with India’s challenges in the fourth Test, have raised doubts about his place in the team. Although he is a proven match-winner, his prolonged slump has led to speculation about whether he should continue as India’s Test captain. Many critics believe that the captaincy has also affected his batting performance, with his leadership becoming reactive rather than proactive. Rohit has often been unable to lead India to victory under pressure, and his inability to take control of the match on critical occasions has led to calls for a change in leadership.

Rohit’s absence from the final Test is now seen as a precursor to his possible exit from the Test format, unless the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) intervenes. Despite being present in Sydney for the team’s final practice session, Rohit was noticeably absent from net practice. Instead, he was seen engaging in discussions with the team management, including head coach Gautam Gambhir and Jasprit Bumrah, India’s vice-captain for the match. This has further fueled the speculation that Rohit may have already played his last Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Shubman Gill to Replace Rohit Sharma at No. 3

With Rohit Sharma’s absence, Shubman Gill is expected to slot in at No. 3 in the lineup for the final Test. Gill, who has shown great promise in recent Tests, is a natural fit for the position. His technical soundness and composure have been impressive, particularly in foreign conditions. He has proven to be one of India’s more adaptable players and has delivered under pressure in key moments.

The move to promote Shubman Gill up the order makes sense for India as they look to reinforce the top-order in the absence of their regular opener. While Gill has been more accustomed to opening in domestic cricket, his ability to play at No. 3, where he can anchor the innings, makes him a valuable asset. His presence could provide the stability India needs, especially given the challenges the team has faced at the top of the order in the ongoing series.

Alongside Gill, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal are expected to open the batting. Rahul, who has faced his own set of challenges in recent times, will need to deliver a solid performance as the lead opener. Jaiswal, a newcomer with much promise, has impressed many with his maturity and technique. Together, they will be tasked with providing India with a strong foundation at the start of their innings, setting the stage for a competitive total.

The reshuffling of India’s top order reflects their determination to adapt to the conditions and to give themselves the best chance of leveling the series in the final Test.

Akash Deep Ruled Out: Injury Concerns and a New Pacers’ Lineup

In another setback for India, Akash Deep, who had featured in the first two Tests in Brisbane and Melbourne, has been ruled out of the fifth Test due to a stiff back. Akash’s absence is particularly significant given his contributions to the team thus far. As a young and enthusiastic bowler, he has bowled a substantial amount of overs during the series, totalling 87.5 overs across the four Tests. This heavy workload likely contributed to his injury, as the demands of the series have taken a toll on his fitness.

Akash’s performances in the series were mixed, but he did manage to pick up five wickets in the matches he played, showing promise. However, the back injury has put a halt to his participation in the final Test, and India now faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement for the pacer in the lineup.

Who Will Replace Akash Deep? Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna?

With Akash Deep unavailable, the Indian team management is deliberating between two possible replacements: Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna.

Harshit Rana: A Raw Pacer with a Point to Prove

Harshit Rana, known for his raw pace, has been one of the emerging fast bowlers in India. The 22-year-old has shown significant potential, and while he may not have the experience of Akash Deep, his sheer pace could add a different dimension to India’s attack. Rana has been impressive in domestic cricket, and his pace could prove effective in Sydney’s conditions, where the fast bowlers are expected to get some assistance early in the game. His selection could provide India with a fresh and energetic option to complement the experience of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami.

Prasidh Krishna: The Experienced Option

On the other hand, Prasidh Krishna, who has been part of India’s squad for a while, offers a more experienced and measured approach. Krishna is known for his precision and ability to hit consistent lengths. His experience in international cricket, particularly in challenging conditions, could be valuable in the Sydney Test, where India needs to take quick wickets to unsettle the Australian batting lineup. Krishna has impressed in the limited opportunities he’s had, and his inclusion would bring a sense of stability to the pace attack.

Ultimately, the team management will need to weigh the options carefully and choose the player who best complements the existing attack.

The Road Ahead for India: Final Push to Level the Series

As India prepares for the final Test in Sydney, the team is under pressure to deliver a strong performance and level the series. The changes to the lineup reflect a proactive approach by the team management to address the issues that have plagued them in the series so far. Rohit Sharma’s absence, combined with the injury to Akash Deep, has opened the door for new faces to step in and make a difference.

With KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill tasked with leading the top-order, and the team looking to reinforce their pace attack with either Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna, India has made the necessary adjustments to give themselves the best chance of competing against an Australian side that has been dominant so far.

In what is expected to be a high-stakes match, India will rely on Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership to guide them through the final Test. Bumrah’s ability to perform under pressure, along with India’s strong batting lineup, gives them hope that they can stage a comeback and force a series draw. However, with Australia’s superior form and a 2-1 lead, the final Test will be a true test of India’s resilience and adaptability in foreign conditions.

As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy reaches its climax, cricket fans worldwide are eagerly waiting to see whether India can defy the odds and finish the series on a high, or if Australia will complete a deserved victory and move one step closer to the World Test Championship final.

Please check for information on the best betting sites in India – https://selectory.org/best-betting-sites/