Rohit Sharma, India’s regular Test captain, was nowhere to be seen at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) during the National Anthem. Fans were left puzzled as his name didn’t appear on the team sheet for the crucial fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The incident has since sparked a whirlwind of reactions online.
Bumrah Leads as Rohit Opts to Rest
India’s clash with Australia at SCG is no ordinary Test. It’s a do-or-die game for Team India as they chase a spot in the World Test Championship Final. Surprisingly, Rohit Sharma decided to sit this one out, handing the reins to Jasprit Bumrah.
Bumrah, speaking at the toss, exuded confidence. “We are looking to bat first. We’ve played good cricket recently. The last game was thrilling. The grass doesn’t look threatening. We’ve learned to embrace challenges and will fight hard today.”
India’s playing XI saw two changes. Shubman Gill replaced Rohit Sharma, while Prasidh Krishna stepped in for the injured Akash Deep.
Rohit Sharma’s National Anthem Snub Fuels Speculation
While resting a player is routine, Rohit’s absence during the National Anthem wasn’t. Traditionally, even non-playing squad members walk out with the team. Rohit’s decision to stay behind raised eyebrows and quickly became a hot topic on social media.
Renowned cricket journalist Bharat Sundaresan weighed in on the matter. “Rohit Sharma hasn’t stepped out with the squad, and his name is off the list. A different take on ‘opting to rest’ perhaps,” he posted on X.
The tensions grew even more when Rohit’s name did not appear on the Team Sheet signed by Head Coach Gautam Gambhir. Dhruv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal’s names had been added instead of Rohit’s. This means that Rohit Sharma will not take part in the SCG Test, not even as an extra fielder.
The cryptic tone of Sundaresan’s remark only fueled speculation. Fans debated whether there was more to Rohit’s absence than met the eye.
For India, this SCG Test is nothing short of critical. A victory keeps their hopes alive for the World Test Championship Final. A loss or a draw, however, would end their journey.
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