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Xtra Time Web Desk: Rohit Sharma has opted out of the fifth and final Test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Jasprit Bumrah, who guided India to a memorable win in the series opener at Perth, took charge as captain once more. He walked out for the toss alongside Australia’s skipper Pat Cummins on Friday morning. Surprisingly, Bumrah wasn’t questioned about Rohit’s absence during the toss by commentator and former India coach Ravi Shastri. Later, visuals captured Rohit sharing a lighthearted conversation with head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Bumrah revealed at the toss that Rohit chose to rest for the match.

"Our captain has shown leadership by opting to rest in this game. That shows there's a lot of unity in this team. There's no selfishness. Whatever is in the team's best interest we are looking to do that. Two changes, Rohit has opted to rest and Akash Deep is injured so Prasidh comes in," Bumrah stated.

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???? "Captain" Rohit Sharma's name is not even in the Indian squad. pic.twitter.com/uhOdxPTrwL

— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) January 2, 2025

STATEMENT????

Bumrah: "Our skipper has provided great leadership, but he has chosen to rest for this match..."

Is Rohit Sharma dropped or has he chosen to rest himself? #BGT2025 #RohitSharma #JaspritBumrah #INDvsAUS #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/PvELkKrGxj

— XtraTime (@xtratimeindia) January 2, 2025

Reflecting on the pitch, he added, "We've played some really good cricket in this series. The last match was pretty exciting. Hopefully we can put up a good show. It seems to be some grass. It doesn't look to have too many demons or look too spicy. Obviously there will be a challenge with the new ball but if you get through it's always a good batting track."

Rohit’s decision comes after a string of disappointing performances, managing only 31 runs in five innings across three Tests. The 37-year-old opener struggled to deliver with the bat, failing to execute his trademark shots, including his signature front pull.

Speculation about Rohit’s Test career gained traction following India’s defeat in Melbourne, which left them trailing 1-2 in the five-match series. The year 2024 proved to be his least productive in Test cricket, scoring 619 runs in 26 innings at an average of 24.76. Having played his 67th Test in Melbourne, there are growing expectations that Rohit may soon call time on his red-ball career.

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Shubman Gill returned to the playing XI, while Prasidh Krishna replaced the injured Akash Deep, making his first appearance in the series.

Australia, meanwhile, handed a debut to all-rounder Beau Webster, who came in for Mitchell Marsh. Webster received his Baggy Green from former cricketer Mark Waugh.

India must win the Sydney Test to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while Australia needs only a draw to claim the series, leading 2-1.