India's preparation for the final and decisive Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at the SCG is surrounded by uncertainty, with key decisions yet to be finalized. Head coach Gautam Gambhir’s guarded responses during the pre-match press conference have only added to the speculation, particularly regarding Rohit Sharma's place in the playing XI.
Rohit’s absence from the media interaction—where he was expected to address the press—has fueled rumors about a potential axe for the under-fire skipper. Gambhir, stepping in last minute, avoided directly answering whether Rohit would play, insisting that the final XI would be determined based on the pitch conditions. Rohit’s form has been alarmingly poor this season, amassing just 164 runs in 15 innings at an average of 10.93, with his struggles continuing on the Australian tour, where he has scored only 31 runs across four Tests. His position as captain has also come under scrutiny, with India trailing 2-1 in the series and Rohit’s leadership drawing criticism following six consecutive winless Tests.
Adding to the intrigue, Rohit was notably absent during slip cordon drills at practice, with Virat Kohli and KL Rahul taking the first and second slip positions, respectively, and Nitish Kumar Reddy slotting into third. This reshuffle has strengthened the speculation about Rohit’s omission. If dropped, Shubman Gill is expected to return to the XI, likely batting at No. 3, while KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal will form the opening pair. Gill’s confident net session, observed by both Gambhir and his father, has sparked optimism about his inclusion.
Rishabh Pant's spot in the XI is also under debate in a parallel development. Pant, known for his match-winning capabilities, has faced criticism for reckless dismissals during the series, averaging just 22 in seven innings with no half-centuries. While his performances in the 2020/21 series Down Under were heroic, his current form has been inconsistent. If Pant is benched, Dhruv Jurel may be given the gloves. However, Jurel’s limited exposure—just one match in the series, where he scored 11 and 1—raises questions about his readiness for a high-stakes match.
India’s bowling lineup is also set for adjustments following the unavailability of pacer Akash Deep due to a stiff back. Gambhir refrained from naming a replacement but indicated that either Prasidh Krishna or Harshit Rana could step in. Mohammed Siraj, who has been impactful as a first-change bowler, will likely play a key role alongside Jasprit Bumrah, who is set to captain the side if Rohit is dropped. Bumrah's captaincy record includes India's sole win of the series in Perth, a performance that the team will look to replicate in Sydney.
The SCG Test carries significant stakes, as a win is crucial for India to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The team management faces a challenging balancing act, needing to address batting collapses while maintaining a competitive bowling attack. The anticipated XI reflects the team’s attempt to adapt to evolving challenges, with KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and possibly Shubman Gill forming the top order, supported by Virat Kohli and either Rishabh Pant or Dhruv Jurel in the middle order. The all-round capabilities of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar will add depth, while the pace attack, led by Bumrah and supported by Siraj and either Prasidh Krishna or Harshit Rana, will aim to exploit the SCG pitch conditions.
As the high-stakes clash approaches, the Indian camp remains tight-lipped, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the final lineup and the team's strategy to bounce back and secure the series.
