Ind vs Aus 5th Test: Rohit Sharma could be axed; Jasprit Bumrah most likely to lead India

Team India management has given enough indication that out of form skipper Rohit Sharma is most likely to be axed from the team for the upcoming fifth Test against hosts Australia to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground starting from January 3. 

As per sources, premier speedster Jasprit Bumrah could be appointed as the captain of the Indian team for the fifth and the final Test.

The indication was evident from the fact that head coach Gautam Gambhir maintained his silence when asked about the possibility of Rohit playing in the fifth Test.

“We will take playing XI call after looking at the pitch tomorrow,” said Gambhir.

Moreover, Bumrah was seen having long chats with Ajit Agarkar and Gambhir. So much so, that the duo kept having a discussion much into the practice session.

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As soon as the players of the Indian team made their way to the ground, Bumrah was spotted with different members of the team management, giving a look that he could be handed the reigns of the team. The Gambhir-Bumrah duo was again seen chatting outside the dressing room during the practice session.

The slip cordon was even found engaged in a catching drill without regular captain Rohit. A usual at the first slip, Virat Kohli took his spot, with Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul and Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Rishabh Pant the keeper. 

Notably, Rohit Sharma has been going through a horrible form of his career. He has just scored only 31 runs in the series at a miserable average of just 6. Speculation is rife that Rohit could announce his retirement from international cricket after the ongoing Border-Gavaskar trophy.