Out-of-form Rohit Sharma skips kitbag for nets, fuels rumours of being dropped for Sydney Test

Opening batsman Rohit has failed to get past 10 runs in any of his five innings in Australia, with speculation mounting that the veteran could be axed

Embattled India captain Rohit Sharma has struggled to make an impact in the ongoing series against Australia, failing to score more than 10 runs in any of his five innings, which has led to growing speculation that the veteran may be dropped for the decisive fifth Test.

During the team’s practice session on Thursday, Rohit was seen participating in warm-up exercises, including a football drill. However, he was noticeably absent when the players gathered to practice slip-catching, fueling further speculation about his place in the XI. Key players like Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and KL Rahul were actively involved in the slip-catching drill, while Rohit was seen sitting in the dressing room. At that moment, no support staff were present.

Later, India’s top batsmen, including Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Rahul, and Dhruv Jurel, took to the nets for batting practice. Rohit, however, was not seen initially. After an hour, he arrived at the nets but did not bring his kit bag with him. Rohit was observed in conversation with video analysts Hari and Jasprit Bumrah for about 20-25 minutes before heading back to the dressing room. He later came out to bat, but his performance appeared lackluster.

Earlier on Thursday, India coach Gautam Gambhir declined to confirm whether Rohit would be included in the playing XI for the Sydney Test, although he revealed there would be at least one change from the side that lost the fourth Test in Melbourne by 184 runs, with pacer Akash Deep ruled out due to a back issue.

"Everything is fine with Rohit and I don't think it's anything traditional," he said when asked why Rohit was absent from the usual media duties. "The head coach is here and that should be good enough. "We are going to have a look at the wicket and finalise (the team) tomorrow."

Asked again if Rohit would be part of that team, Gambhir responded: "The answer remains the same."

Rohit missed the first Test in Perth for the birth of his second child, with Bumrah assuming the captaincy and guiding India to their only win of the five-match series so far. Meanwhile, superstar batsman Kohli is also under pressure. Aside from scoring 100 not out in Perth, he has struggled to get out of single figures. In contrast, younger batsmen such as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy have excelled.

"It is not about phasing out senior players or getting the youngsters in," Gambhir said. "Ultimately the only thing that can keep you in that dressing room is performance."

Gambhir said he remained upbeat despite the victory in Perth being India's only win in their last seven Tests. "Extremely confident," he said. "We know we have the skill sets, the individuals, we've got everything in that dressing room that can win a Test match. "Not only here, but will probably go on to do some unbelievable things in the future as well."

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