It is the last Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 starting from Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on January 3, 2025, India plans to change their list. After a heavy defeat in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, these changes are seen as necessary to revive the team's morale and increase their chances of lifting the list.
Here are two changes India make to their playing XI
1) Rohit Sharma to miss the SCG event
Indian captain, Rohit Sharmahe is said to be unavailable for the fifth Test. Vice captain Jasprit Bumrah will come in if captain Rohit is not available. Which may mark the end of his Test career, Rohit's participation in future matches is not known, while some say that Rohit has already played his last Test (in Melbourne) only Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) he went in to ask her to play again.
Shubman Gill is expected to take Rohit's place in the playing XI, coming in at No. 3. The launch site will be held by KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Despite being present in Sydney for the team's last meeting, Rohit was not seen taking part in the net practice. Instead, he was seen chatting with the coaches, including the head coach Gautam Gambhir and Bumrah, instead of practicing regularly.
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2) Akash Deep was out due to back stiffness
In the second forced change, pacer Akash Deep has been ruled out of the upcoming Test due to back stiffness. Akash, who has played in the first two Tests in Brisbane and Melbourne, took five wickets in his few matches. The 28-year-old right-arm pacer has already bowled 87.5 overs in the series, which would have contributed to his injury.
Since Akash is not available, the Indian team is now thinking of bringing him Harshit Ranaknown for his speed, or Prasidh Krishnawho provides mixed and accurate information. All of these players offer different strengths, and team managers need to evaluate how they can best meet the needs of the team.