BGT 2024-25: Rohit Sharma becomes the first ever captain to achieve this feat! Find out what
Xtra Time Web Desk: In an unprecedented move, Indian captain Rohit Sharma is set to be dropped for the fifth and deciding Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney due to poor form. This marks the first time in cricket history that an Indian skipper has been excluded from the playing XI mid-series.
Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side, reprising his role from the first Test in Perth, where he captained in Rohit’s absence during paternity leave. Rohit returned for the next three matches, batting at No. 6 in Adelaide and Brisbane before moving back to the opening slot for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. However, his performances have been underwhelming, scoring just 31 runs in five innings at a dismal average of 6.20—the lowest ever by a visiting captain in Australia.
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DYK?
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) January 2, 2025
Eng capt Mike Denness, during the 1974/75 Ashes series, aggregated 65 runs in 6 inns.
Dropped himself from the 4th Test.
Made a comeback as skipper in the 5th at Adelaide (51 & 14) & a fighting 188 in the 6th & final Test at the MCG to take his side to an inns win!#BGT2025
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BGT 2024-25: Rohit Sharma to miss Sydney Test; uncertain future in whites, say sources
When asked about Rohit’s omission, head coach Gautam Gambhir refrained from providing a definitive answer. “Everything is fine with Rohit, and I don’t think it’s anything traditional,” Gambhir said. He confirmed that the final playing XI will be decided on the morning of the match. Rohit's absence from the pre-match press conference further fueled speculation about his exclusion.
KL Rahul is expected to return to the XI as an opener alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, while Shubman Gill, who was dropped for the fourth Test, is likely to slot in at No. 3.
Historical Instances of Captains Dropped Mid-Series:
Rohit Sharma's omission joins a rare list of captains who have been sidelined mid-series:
- *Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan, 2014)*: Dropped himself during the third ODI against Australia, with Shahid Afridi taking over.
- *Dinesh Chandimal (Sri Lanka, 2014)*: Opted out of the T20 World Cup semi-final and final, handing the reins to Lasith Malinga.
- *Mike Denness (England, 1974)*: Excluded himself from the fourth Test of the Ashes, allowing John Edrich to captain.
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Rohit Sharma’s exclusion underscores the competitive and high-stakes nature of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With the series tied at 2-2, India will hope the changes in the lineup, spearheaded by Bumrah’s leadership, yield a positive result in Sydney.
