India's captain Rohit Sharma has chosen to "rest" for the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. During the toss, Jasprit Bumrah stepped in as the acting captain for the visitors and announced Rohit's decision to "rest" from this pivotal match, where India has the opportunity to equalize the five-match series and secure the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

A report from the Indian Express has revealed new information regarding Rohit Sharma's absence in Sydney. The 37-year-old has probably played his final match for India in Test cricket.

Rohit, who has faced difficulties in scoring runs during Tests, is not included in the selectors' plans beyond the tour of Australia. The report indicates that this information has been conveyed to the right-handed batsman.

It appears unlikely that Rohit Sharma will return to the Test squad, even if India manages to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, scheduled to take place at Lord's Cricket Ground in June 2025.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar jointly decided against including Rohit Sharma in the playing XI for the Sydney Test.

Rohit Sharma's performance in the three matches he participated in during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been underwhelming, having missed the series opener in Perth. His scores were 3, 6, 10, 3, and 9.

At the toss in Sydney, India’s stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah remarked, "Obviously, our captain (Rohit) has shown his leadership as well. He’s opted to rest in this game. So that shows that there’s a lot of unity in our team. There’s no selfishness. Whatever is in the team’s best interest, we’re looking to do that."

The selectors are also expected to hold discussions regarding the Champions Trophy. This meeting is anticipated to occur after the conclusion of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, once the entire team returns to India.

Selectors to sit with Virat Kohli

Right-handed batsman Virat Kohli was once again dismissed familiarly, falling victim to a delivery pitched outside the off stump. He returned to the pavilion after contributing only 17 runs. Despite having scored a century in the second innings of the Perth Test, Kohli has not displayed the form that once characterized his play.

Throughout the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, all seven of Kohli's dismissals have followed a similar pattern, as he has repeatedly succumbed to wide deliveries.

According to a report by the Indian Express, the selectors are anticipated to engage in discussions with Virat Kohli regarding his future following the conclusion of the series against Australia.

In contrast, another senior member of the team, Ravindra Jadeja, is expected to remain integral to the squad, as his experience is deemed crucial during this significant transition period for Team India.

Read Also: Virat Kohli's First Innings Average in 2024 Falls Below Jasprit Bumrah and Shoaib Bashir

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