Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant has shed light on the emotional and selfless decision made by skipper Rohit Sharma to exclude himself from the playing XI for the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney. Pant spoke about the significance of the decision, highlighting Rohit’s leadership qualities and the respect the team has for him.

Rohit Sharma’s form had been under scrutiny during the ongoing Test series, managing just 31 runs across three matches. Facing mounting criticism from fans and experts alike, the Indian skipper made the tough call to sit out the final Test match. Pant, who has often played under Rohit’s leadership, praised the decision as a testament to Rohit’s character.

Speaking to reporters, Pant explained, “There are some decisions you are not involved in. I cannot explain more than that. It was an emotional decision. We see him as a leader.” The wicket-keeper batsman underlined how Rohit’s decision reflected not only selflessness but also his commitment to the team, calling him a “true leader.”

Pant also addressed his own approach to batting in the opening day of the fifth Test. After facing criticism for a lackluster performance in Melbourne, Pant showed restraint with a 98-ball 40, as India was bowled out for 185. He explained that the conditions at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and the game situation required him to adjust his aggressive batting style.

“I was not in a frame of mind where I wanted to take charge of the game because the wicket was doing too much, and the situation we were in didn’t allow for that,” Pant said in the post-day press conference. He emphasized the importance of playing a secure brand of cricket to avoid quick collapses.

Reflecting on his previous performance in Melbourne, Pant acknowledged the criticism he had received for his shot selection, especially the pull shot that earned him scorn from cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar. Pant’s approach in Sydney was a stark contrast, as he chose caution over risk, stating, “Yes, there is a time to attack, but when you have to feel that from inside. I can’t just premeditate that I’m going to play this way. Whatever the game asked me to do on a given day, that’s what I tried to do.”

The 27-year-old cricketer’s ability to adjust his game according to the match conditions and his focus on team-first decisions reflect his maturity and understanding of the game’s demands.

The fifth and final Test between India and Australia at Sydney saw an action-packed opening day, with the hosts gaining the upper hand. Australia reached 9/1 at stumps after bowling India out for a modest 185 in their first innings on Friday.

India’s batting lineup faltered, despite recovering briefly from 57/3 to 107/4 by tea. However, a dramatic collapse in the final session saw India lose six wickets for just 78 runs. Rishabh Pant stood out with a gritty 40 off 98 balls, while Scott Boland was the pick of the Australian bowlers, claiming 4/31. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc chipped in with crucial breakthroughs, finishing with two and three wickets respectively.

In reply, Australia suffered an early blow as Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Usman Khawaja on the last ball of the day. The delivery, edged to KL Rahul at second slip, ended Khawaja’s stay and brought an animated celebration from Bumrah, who also exchanged words with debutant Sam Konstas earlier in the over.

Australia ended the day trailing by 176 runs, with David Warner and Sam Konstas at the crease. The intensity was palpable as the Indian bowlers looked to make early inroads, with Mohammed Siraj delivering a tidy spell and Bumrah’s fiery bowling drawing attention.

Earlier in the day, the Indian tailenders swung their bats aggressively, with Bumrah contributing a quickfire 22 off 17 balls. His partnership with Siraj provided brief resistance before the innings folded. Australia’s disciplined bowling ensured that India failed to capitalize on the starts by their top order.

India captain Rohit Sharma opted to rest for the series finale, with Bumrah stepping in as the stand-in skipper. His leadership on the field was evident in his energetic approach and strategic bowling changes.

The match promises an exciting second day as India looks to capitalize on Khawaja’s dismissal and restrict Australia to a low first-innings score. With the series finale at stake, both teams will aim to deliver their best performances.

The action resumes tomorrow with Australia resuming their innings at 9/1.

Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Indian cricket team, has come under scrutiny following a series of lackluster performances that have cast doubts over the team’s direction and morale. The spotlight intensified after India’s 0-3 defeat in the home Test series against New Zealand, leaving them on the brink of missing the World Test Championship final. With an upcoming Test match in Sydney and the Champions Trophy in February-March, Gambhir’s position appears increasingly precarious.

A strained transition period

Gambhir assumed the role of head coach in July, succeeding Rahul Dravid, who had guided India to a T20 World Cup victory in June. Tasked with overseeing a period of transition, Gambhir’s tenure has so far been marked by inconsistent performances, including an ODI series loss to Sri Lanka and a disappointing run in Australia, where India trails 1-2 in the Test series.

Communication gaps and player insecurity

Reports from the Press Trust of India (PTI) suggest that Gambhir’s leadership style has led to unease within the team. The report highlights a lack of effective communication compared to the tenures of previous coaches Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid. While skipper Rohit Sharma has reportedly maintained individual discussions with players on selection issues, some team members feel the clarity provided under Gambhir’s leadership is insufficient.

The report further claims that constant experimentation with the playing XI has left players feeling insecure about their positions. A senior BCCI official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Gambhir’s assertive approach has not resonated well with a core group of players, especially those neither seasoned veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma nor new entrants like Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy.

Selection challenges and BCCI concerns

Gambhir’s relationship with the selection committee has also come under the scanner, with reports suggesting ambiguity and differing opinions on team strategy. The BCCI official acknowledged that Gambhir was not the board’s first choice for the role, noting that VVS Laxman had initially been preferred, but logistical challenges and other considerations led to Gambhir’s appointment.

Champions trophy as the litmus test

The immediate focus remains on the final Test in Sydney, where a loss could confirm India’s exit from the World Test Championship final. However, the Champions Trophy looms as a critical test for Gambhir. A senior BCCI source hinted that if India’s performance doesn’t improve in the tournament, Gambhir’s role could face significant changes or even termination.

“His position is under review, and if the team doesn’t show marked improvement, the BCCI will have to reevaluate its strategy,” the source stated.

A time for turnaround

As the Indian cricket team prepares for pivotal challenges ahead, the pressure is on Gambhir to restore confidence, stabilize team dynamics, and deliver results. The coming weeks will not only define his tenure but could also shape the immediate future of Indian cricket.