IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Out – India’s Best Playing XI for Sydney Test

oi-Sauradeep Ash

India head into the fifth and final Test of the Border Gavaskar series against Australia in Sydney as it starts from Friday (January 3). India are currently trailing the series 1-2.

With one last opportunity to level the series, drastic changes in the playing XI must be made. With the WTC final hopes almost diminished, there is no point in not introducing youngsters for the final match so that they can get invaluable experience.

Big Decisions: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Out

India’s top order has struggled to deliver consistently, with skipper Rohit Sharma unable to make a significant impact. Consequently, the team may opt to leave him out and bring in Abhimanyu Easwaran. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul at the top can be restored. Easwaran’s domestic record makes him a solid option to bolster the top order and the Bengal player deserves a chance.

Virat Kohli, who hasn’t had the best series, could make way for Sarfaraz Khan. Known for his phenomenal domestic performances, Sarfaraz adds stability and flair to the batting lineup, offering India a much-needed boost in the middle overs.

Jurel in for Rishabh Pant

With Rishabh Pant failing to fire, the team management could hand an opportunity to Dhruv Jurel. Jurel’s ability to counter-attack and his safe hands behind the stumps make him an exciting choice as the wicketkeeper-batter. Pant, who has been callous in the series so far, deserves to be dressed down.

Nitish Reddy retains his place after a stellar maiden Test century in Melbourne, adding depth to the middle order. The all-rounder duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar provides balance with their ability to contribute with both bat and ball.

Bowling Attack Led by Captain Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah, who will captain the side, leads the pace attack alongside Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep. The trio forms a formidable pace unit capable of exploiting the conditions in Sydney. Jadeja and Sundar offer spin options, making the attack versatile enough to tackle the Australian batting lineup. Bumrah led India to victory in Perth and the premier pacer must be reinstated as the leader of the team ahead of the Sydney Test.

India vs Australia 5th Test – India’s Best Playing XI

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah (c)

Although it is unlikely that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both will be dropped, but in terms of their form, this looks like the best Indian side. And the way Jasprit Bumrah captained India, he deserves to have the leadership baton in his hands.

Story first published: Wednesday, January 1, 2025, 9:23 [IST]

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