Rishabh Pant addressed the unexpected absence of Rohit Sharma from the playing XI in the fifth and final Test against Australia in Sydney. Rohit chose to withdraw from the match after a series of disappointing performances with the bat and questionable decisions as captain. With India trailing 1-2 in the series, Jasprit Bumrah assumed the captaincy and participated in the toss in Sydney.

During a press conference following the day's play, Pant described Rohit's decision as an "emotional" one, emphasizing his role as the team's leader. He remarked, "It was an emotional decision because he has been captain for a long time. We see him as a leader of the team."

Nevertheless, Pant refrained from elaborating on the circumstances that led to Rohit's exclusion from the XI.

"There are some decisions that you are not involved in; they are management's calls. So, I was not part of that conversation. I can't explain more than that," Pant added.

The lead-up to the fifth Test in Sydney was marked by controversy, with reports suggesting discord within the Indian camp. Rohit and head coach Gautam Gambhir were reportedly at odds, with minimal interaction observed during India's training session on Thursday before the match.

Gambhir took the initiative to conduct the pre-match press conference, a role typically filled by the captain, and he declined to confirm Rohit's participation in the game.

Rohit had a dismal performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, failing to exceed 10 runs in five innings, accumulating only 31 runs with an average of 6.2. He was unavailable for selection in the first Test due to paternity leave and returned as a middle-order batter for the second and third Tests. Subsequently, he promoted himself to the opening position in Melbourne, but his poor form continued.

Advantage Australia in Sydney

The alterations in the XI did not significantly enhance India's prospects, particularly on Day 1, as the team was dismissed for a mere 185 runs after choosing to bat first. Rishabh Pant emerged as the top scorer with 40 runs from 98 balls, while Virat Kohli once again struggled with the bat, scoring only 17 runs before being dismissed.

On a positive note, Bumrah provided India with an electrifying start with the ball, taking the wicket of Usman Khawaja immediately following a heated exchange with his opening partner, Sam Konstas, which uplifted the morale of the Indian team. Australia concluded the day at 9 runs for the loss of 1 wicket.

Read Also: Selectors Inform Rohit Sharma of Test Cricket Exit, Meeting with Kohli Planned

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