2 January 2025: India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, not captain Rohit Sharma, addressed the media ahead of the crucial fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Sydney, fueling speculation. Gambhir dismissed theories about the change, attributing it to standard procedure, while sidestepping questions on Rohit’s inclusion in the playing XI.
“The thing is, everything is fine with Rohit, and I don’t think it’s anything unusual. The head coach attending the press conference is good enough,” Gambhir explained.
When pressed on Rohit’s spot in the XI, he remained non-committal: “We’re going to have a look at the wicket and finalize tomorrow.”
Rohit’s form has been a glaring issue. Since October 2023, the India captain’s Test struggles have been stark, with an average of 11.69 across seven innings before the Boxing Day Test. His woes continued at the MCG with scores of 3 and 9, leaving him with just 31 runs across six innings on the ongoing tour. Bowlers have exploited flaws in his technique, particularly his vulnerability to pace and good-length deliveries.
India faces broader challenges beyond Rohit’s form. After the shock home defeat to New Zealand in 2023, the team is grappling with a transition phase. Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement after the Brisbane Test marks one significant change, with expectations of more tough decisions as India appears unlikely to make a third straight World Test Championship final.
Reflecting on the transition, Gambhir stressed the importance of integrity and performance. “Indian cricket will always be in safe hands if you’ve got honest people in that room. It’s not just about phasing out seniors or bringing in youngsters; performance is the only currency. That applies to players and coaches alike.”
The MCG defeat exposed India’s struggles to balance aggression and discipline. Rishabh Pant exemplified this dichotomy, showing restraint before succumbing to a loose shot that triggered India’s collapse. Addressing the criticism of Pant, Gambhir advocated for a team-first approach. “This is a team sport, and individuals must do what the team needs. Playing a ‘natural game’ is fine, but it has to align with the team’s goals.”
Despite the setback, Gambhir remains optimistic about India’s chances in Sydney and beyond. “Extremely confident [of winning]. We’ve got the skills, the individuals, and everything we need to win here. Not just here, but to achieve great things in the future,” he declared.
With Australia leading 2-1, the Sydney Test is a do-or-die fixture for India, and the team’s ability to overcome form slumps and strategic missteps will be pivotal.
