Kolkata : Indian Head Coach Gautam Gambhir has refused to confirm Rohit Sharma’s inclusion in playing XI of 5th Test of Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at Sydney, in a press conference.
For Rohit, it has been a series to forget both as Batter and skipper. In 6 innings, he has scored 31 runs and Indian team is trailing by 2-1.
In first Test, India won at Perth convincingly in Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership in absence of Rohit. However, as soon as ‘The Hitman’ returned with captaincy duties, things turned, and India lost 2nd, 4th Test. As a result, his inclusion in playing XI has come under hammer. Prior to this, India also got whitewashed 3-0 at own backyard against New Zealand.
Ahead of Sydney Test, Gambhir appeared in the pre-match press conference as opposed to Rohit, despite captains normally appearing for the interaction on the eve of matches. When asked why Rohit is absent, Gambhir said that “everything is fine” with the 37-year-old and that the presence of the head coach in the press conference should be enough.
Upon being asked about Rohit’s inclusion in the playing XI, Gambhir said that they’ll look at the Pitch and wicket conditions and take call.
“Everything is fine with Rohit and I don’t think it’s anything traditional. The head coach is here and that should be good enough. We are going to have a look at the wicket and finalise it (playing XI) tomorrow,” said Gambhir.
When pressed about the matter, Gambhir said: “As I just said we are going to have a look at the wicket and announce our playing XI tomorrow. The answer remains the same.”
