Gautam Gambhir Rejected Request To Keep Rohit Sharma In Playing XI For 5th Australia Test: Report

Indian cricket team skipper Rohit Sharma is all set to be rested for the fifth Test encounter against Australia starting Thursday in Sydney, according to sources. It has been a torrid run for Rohit in the ongoing five-match series as the star batter has managed to score just 31 runs in the past three matches. Despite multiple changes to his batting position, Rohit was unable to score big for his side and he is likely to be replaced by Shubman Gill in the playing XI for the Sydney Test. According to a report by PTI, Gambhir received a request from an ' influential cricket administrator' to keep Rohit in the playing XI but it was rejected as the game holds significance for India's World Test Championship (WTC) Final hopes.

"It is learnt that an influential cricket administrator, who commands a lot of respect in the BCCI, has had a word with the head coach to explore if the skipper can be allowed to play the Sydney game and bow out from the Test arena. However, the head coach's priority is to ensure India wins in Sydney and remains in hunt for a place in the WTC final. Such is the state of affairs that Rohit was more comfortable speaking to his deputy Bumrah and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar than Gambhir," the PTI report claimed.

Rohit, just like Melbourne, was last among recognised batters to enter the nets but this was after head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to confirm whether the out-of-form skipper will be at the toss on Friday morning.

"We will take a call on the playing XI after looking at the pitch," Gambhir gave a cryptic reply to a straight query on whether Rohit will play.

If it happens, Rohit will become the first Indian captain to be dropped on account of poor form and he would have none to blame except for