India captain Rohit Sharma is all set to be dropped from the playing XI for the final Test of the series against Australia. The match between the two teams will be played on Friday (3rd January) at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. 
Rohit Sharma, as per the various media reports, won't be featuring in the final match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. This has been quite evident with the way things have been panning out in the practice session a day ahead of the match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. 
India captain also didn't bat much in the nets and came to bat after batters had their sessions. Various media outlets have suggested that Rohit Sharma will be replaced by Shubman Gill, who got the first preference in the nets and was also seen getting a pat on the back by Gautam Gambhir. 
The India head coach, Gautam Gambhir, was also seen having a conversation with Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah, with the fast bowler being actively involved in the conversations with the head coach. This, in all fairness, suggests that fast bowlers will be leading the team. 
But there also has been some section of reports which has stated that Shubman Gill might be leading the team. This is because team management might look at the bigger picture and allow the youngster to take charge of the team. But so far no clarity seems to be there.
<h2>We are going to have a look at the wicket and finalise it tomorrow - Gautam Gambhir on Rohit Sharma </h2>
Even head coach Gautam Gambhir said refused to give any clarity about Rohit Sharma playing the final Test. He said that they would be taking the call after looking at the pitch. While speaking to reporters, he explained: 
"Everything is fine with Rohit and I don't think it's anything traditional. The head coach is here and that should be good enough. We are going to have a look at the wicket and finalise it tomorrow. As I just said we are going to have a look at the wicket and announce our playing XI tomorrow. The answer remains the same.” 
Rohit Sharma has witnessed a massive dip in the form. In the last 15 innings, the India captain has scored only 164 runs in 15 innings at a shocking average of just 10.93, with one half-century score. In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, he has slammed just 31 runs. It remains to be seen now where will his future be heading.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/india-s-record-at-sydney-cricket-ground-before-the-ind-vs-aus-5th-test/">India's Record at Sydney Cricket Ground Before the IND vs AUS 5th Test</a>

India captain Rohit Sharma is all set to be dropped from the playing XI for the final Test of the series against Australia.

IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma all set to be dropped for last Test; Shubman Gill to lead? Full details

ind-vs-aus-rohit-sharma-all-set-to-be-dropped-for-last-test-shubman-gill-to-lead-full-details-

India wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant is all set to go past MS Dhoni in the elite list of Indian players in Test cricket. The left-hander is just 6 sixes away from surpassing former keeper-batter in the most number of sixes for the national team in the history of the longest format of the game.
Rishabh Pant currently has 72 sixes in Test cricket in just 75 innings, which says a lot about his calibre as a player in the longest format of the game. MS Dhoni, on the other hand, has hit 78 sixes in the 144 innings that he has played for the team in the longest format of the game.
Virender Sehwag sits at the top of the list in the most number of sixes for the Indian team in Tests with 90 maximums in 178 innings. Current captain Rohit Sharma is second on the charts with 88 maximums to his name from 116 innings. 
<h2>Most sixes for India in Test Cricket: </h2>
Sehwag - 90 (178 innings)
Rohit - 88 (116 innings)
Dhoni - 78 (144 innings)
Pant - 72* (75 innings) 
Rishabh Pant has been one of the finest batters in world cricket. The keeper-batter proved his prowess in the ongoing game against Australia, which is the fifth game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The India batter has tilted the game for his team in the second innings. 
While every other bat struggled to get going, Rishabh Pant oozed his class with the bat and dominated the opposition. He played the attacking brand of cricket and put the Australian bowlers under pressure in what was a tough pitch to bat. 
<h2>India made a strong comeback on Day two of the ongoing fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25</h2>
Coming to the match, India made a strong comeback on Day two of the ongoing fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. They were right on the money with the bat and ball at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Saturday. 
Australia, who resumed at nine for one, didn't have a great start to day two as Marnus Labuschagne fell early. Sam Konstas (23) and Steve Smith (33) tried to bring Australia back with their innings but their partnership could last only 20 runs. 
India kept taking wickets at regular wickets, but debutant Beau Webster (57)  slammed a half-century, and a vital hand from Alex Carey (21:36b, 4x4) took Australia to 181, four runs behind India. 
India had a solid start to their second innings as  Yashasvi Jaiswal (22) and KL Rahul (13) added 42 runs for the opening stand. But after that, Australia made a strong comeback and picked wickets at regular intervals to reduce India to 78 for four. 
But it was Rishabh Pant (61) who slammed a half-century in a flash and took the game away as it allowed India to take the lead of over 120. At stumps on Day two, India was 141 for six with the lead of 145 runs and Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar at crease. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/shocking-jasprit-bumrah-accused-of-using-sandpaper-video-goes-viral/">Shocking! Jasprit Bumrah accused of using sandpaper, video goes viral</a>

Rishabh Pant on the verge of going past Ms Dhoni in this massive feat in the Tests

India wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant is all set to go past MS Dhoni in the elite list of Indian players in Test cricket

rishabh-pant-on-the-verge-of-going-past-ms-dhoni-in-this-massive-feat-in-the-tests

England's former captain Michael Vaughan believes that fierce-rivals India and Pakistan should play a Test-Match versu each other in Australia. He believes that if this happens, then Test Cricket will witness a great surge of growth and this match will also increase the excitement of the longest format of the game. 
However, Michael Vaughan admits that this is not easy due to political reasons between India and Pakistan, but this option can be considered. Apart from this, if the ICC gets involved in this matter, then there are chances of things working out.
<h2>"I want Pakistan and India to play a Test-Match versus each other on Australian Soil"</h2>
In an interview with the Times of India (TOI), Vaughan said, "I wish that both rivals Pakistan and India play Test-Matches versus each other on Australian soil. Both teams do square off against each other in the Asia Cup and the ICC Tournaments, but both of them haven't faced each other in red ball Cricket since a really long time. I want both of them face each other in the longest format of the game, but the only problem is that they cannot face each other in their home conditions. 
Therefore, as a solution to the problem, they can play Test Cricket versus each other in Australia or England. If this happens, it will be one of the biggest moments of the game and they will surely receive support in huge numbers."
"Pakistan &amp; India playing Test-Matches versus each other is going to prove to be absolutely phenomenal for the longest format of the game. Although, I am aware about the amount of politics involved in this matter, I believe both the teams can consider playing Tests at the Adelaide Oval, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)," Vaughan added. 
It's worth noting that the Indian and Pakistani teams have not faced each other in the Test format for almost 18 years. The last Test series between the two teams was played in 2007-08, but since then the two teams have not faced each other in Tests.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/yuzi-chahal-and-wife-dhanashree-verma-unfollow-each-other-on-instagram-as-divorce-rumors-gain-ground/">Yuzi Chahal and wife Dhanashree Verma unfollow each other on Instagram as divorce rumors gain ground</a>

Indian and Pakistani fans celebrating together | Image: Getty Images

Michael Vaughan wants Fierce-Rivals India and Pakistan to play Test-Matches versus each other in Australia

India vs Pakistan: Will the two rivals play a test match versus each other? This English legend wants them to play in

india-vs-pakistan-will-the-two-rivals-play-a-test-match-versus-each-other-this-english-legend-wants-them-to-play-in

India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah gave heartache to the Indian fans after the pacer got injured during day two of the ongoing fifth Test against Australia. The match is keeping everyone excted at SCG and is heading towards the exciting finish.
Jasprit Bumrah didn't look in great shape during day two of the ongoing game. After removing Usman Khawaja on the last ball of the match on Day one, it was expected that he would set the stage on fire. But the India captain ended up getting injured in the second match of the day. 
Jasprit Bumrah took India's team off to a flying start with the ball on day two as he removed Marnus Labuschagne. But after that, ahead of the lunch break, he was off the field for around 30 minutes. It raised a lot of eyebrows with the captain not being on the field. But the pacer returned to the field in the second session. 
Jasprit Bumrah bowled one over in the second innings but what was noticeable was he was down with his speed. He was bowling at 120 kmph but went after the field after that. He wasn't in the whites but was in the training kit and it raised a lot of concerns about his fitness for the remainder of the game. 
Jasprit Bumrah was then taken for scans, and it was also certain that the fast bowler had something serious. The pacer, after a few hours, then returned to the dressing room again but didn't take the field as he was seen climbing the stairs, which raised a bit of hope.
Later in the press conference, India fast bowler Prasidh Krishna confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah experienced back spasms and hence was taken for the scans. There have been a lot of speculations about whether the fast bowler will be taking the field on Day three or not. 
<h2>Jasprit Bumrah might come out to bat but a final call on his bowling will be taken based on how he feels on Sunday Morning</h2>
Now, the reports in the Times of India have made a massive revelation. It is learned that the fast bowler might come out to bat but a final call on his bowling will be taken based on how he feels on Sunday Morning. 
If he misses the game, it will be a massive blow for the Indian team as they are setting the target. And to defend the target, it will be extremely tough for them to defend without Jasprit Bumrah.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/is-virat-kohli-next-to-be-dropped-virat-averages-less-than-burmah-in-first-innings-since-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Is Virat Kohli next to be dropped? Virat averages less than Burmah in First Innings since 2024</a>

India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah gave heartache to the Indian fans after the pacer got injured during day two of the ongoing fifth Test against Australia

Will Jasprit Bumrah bowl on Day 3? Massive update arrives from Sydney

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India captain Jasprit Bumrah has come under massive scanner for his antics during the ongoing fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The match between the teams is taking place at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. 
In what has been a shocking development, India captain Jasprit Bumrah has been accused of using sandpaper during the ongoing match. Some of the Australian fans, as well as the media personnel, have charged the fast bowler with the allegations, and it has become a massive controversy. 
In a video that has gone viral on the internet, the sandpaper-like thing can be seen around Jasprit Bumrah. The India fast bowler can be seen getting troubled by something in their shoe, and as he decided to check upon that, there seemed to be a sandpaper-like thing. 
As Jasprit Bumrah removed his shoes, the sandpaper-like thing dropped out, and the fast bowler took that out and kept that in his hand. Since the video has gone viral, there has been a lot of buzz around social media, but so far, nothing official has come out from either of the teams or the match officials. 
Jasprit Bumrah has been the hot soup in the Indian team in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The fast bowler is single-handedly carrying the bowling lineup of the team in the ongoing series and is making sure that he helps his team fight hard in the five-match Test series. 
Jasprit Bumrah has been on fire with the ball in the ongoing game as well but he has found himself under some discomfort. The pacer felt back spasm during the second session and was seen leaving the Sydney Cricket Ground and going for the scans in the car. 
There is no clarity if Jasprit Bumrah will be taking over the charge of the team tomorrow or not. The fast bowler's availability will depend on how he feels on a Sunday morning. Although he might come to bat, there is no clarity if the pacer will come to bowl or not. 
Bumrah so far has taken 32 wickets for India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The tally of 32 wickets is the most by an Indian bowler in Australia in the history of Test cricket.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/is-virat-kohli-next-to-be-dropped-virat-averages-less-than-burmah-in-first-innings-since-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Is Virat Kohli next to be dropped? Virat averages less than Burmah in First Innings since 2024</a>
<h2>Watch: Jasprit Bumrah gets accused of using sandpaper</h2>

Jasprit Bumrah accused of using sandpaper, video goes viral

India captain Jasprit Bumrah has come under massive scanner for his antics during the ongoing fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Shocking! Jasprit Bumrah accused of using sandpaper, video goes viral

shocking-jasprit-bumrah-accused-of-using-sandpaper-video-goes-viral

Team India is currently participating in the five-match 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series on Australian soil versus the Mighty Australians. The series is currently led by the Kangaroos, who have a lead of 2-1. 
While the Indians kicked off the BGT series on a positive note, securing a comfortable victory in the Perth Test-Match, they have not been able to replicate that success in the remaining matches of the series. They suffered embarrassing defeats in the Adelaide and Melbourne Test-Matches while the Gabba Test-Match was a rain affected one and ended in a draw. 
The Rohit Sharma-led team fell to a shambolic 184 run defeat verus Pat Cummins and his men in the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match and this defeat has made the Men in Blue's chances of qualifying for the WTC Final even more difficult. 
Actually, besides the Indian batters even the bowlers did not live upto expectations except Bumrah. While the Vice-Captain of the Team performed exceptionally well but he turned out to be the lone-warrior with the ball as he didn't get the required support from the other bowlers. 
In the first inning of the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match, the 29-year-old dismissed four Aussie batters before picking up a fifer in the 2nd inning. This way, he took a total of nine wickets in that match. 
<h2>The other Indian bowlers are not able to support Jasprit Bumrah</h2>
Statistics show that the performance of Bumrah in the history of the World Test Championship (WTC) have been absolutely phenomenal. This fast bowler has trapped many bowlers with his variations and has used countless number of tricks up his sleeve to decieve them but he is just not able to get the required support from the other end. 
In 35 WTC matches, the Indian Vice-Captain has dismissed 155 batters at a remarkable economy of 2.80 and an amazing average of 18.56. He has also dismissed those 155 batters with a strike rate of 39.78.
<h2>Such has been the performance of Jasprit Bumrah in the World Test Championship</h2>
In the 35 matches of the World Test Championship, Jasprit Bumrah has achieved the feat of taking 5 wickets in an innings 10 times. Apart from this, he has taken 4 wickets in an innings 7 times. Cricket experts believe that Jasprit Bumrah did not get the support of other Indian bowlers and that's the reason why the Men in Blue have struggled to dominate the Aussies. 
If Jasprit Bumrah had got the support of other bowlers, then perhaps the path to the World Test Championship would have been easier for the Indian team, but this did not happen. Let us tell you that in the current series against Australia, Jasprit Bumrah has taken 31 wickets at an average of 12.74.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/preview/hardik-pandya-set-to-lead-india-in-champions-trophy-2025-if-rohit-leaves-his-captaincy-role/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hardik Pandya set to lead India in Champions Trophy 2025 if Rohit leaves his captaincy role</a>

Jasprit Bumrah of India has performed in an exceptional manner in the World Test Championship (WTC) but despite his remarkable displays with the ball, Team India has struggled to capitalise.

Jasprit Bumrah has amazing stats in the WTC with the ball but still Team India is not able to perform well

jasprit-bumrah-has-amazing-stats-in-the-wtc-with-the-ball-but-still-team-india-is-not-able-to-perform-well

The crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground has always been under the scanner, especially when the Indian team plays. During the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the fans in Sydney didn't go easy on the Indian players as they made life tough for them. 
During the last Test between India and Australia, Indian players in Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were at the receiving end of racial slurs. The players of the team were abused by the fans, and it turned out to be a big controversy, with Sydney Cricket management banning the particular section of the ground. 
A similar kind of thing unfolded on Day 1 of the ongoing match between India and Australia. Again, a particular section of the crowd came under the radar. The fans were abusing Indian fans in the stadium as they were seen chanting, "Where is your visa?". The video went viral on the internet with many lashing out at fans. 
The people at the Sydney Cricket Ground were also seen booing Indian players as well. They had a go at Virat Kohli and then later Jasprit Bumrah, who was involved in a massive fight with Sam Konstas during the last over of Day 1 of the ongoing Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 
Coming to the match, Australia started the last day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 on a dominating note. The visitors carried their good form and put India under massive pressure at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. The start with the bat didn't go the way India would've wanted as both the openers, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, were back early. Shubman Gill, who replaced Rohit Sharma, played a decent hand of 20 runs off 64 balls with two boundaries. 
He, along with Virat Kohli (17), added 40 runs for the third wicket. But both the batters couldn't bat for long as India was left tottering at 72 for four. Rishabh Pant (40) batted with great grit and looked solid before he yet again perished to a wild shot. Ravindra Jadeja (26), too, had a start, but he too couldn't get going for long as India was reduced to 148/8. Captain Jasprit Bumrah (22) hit some shots in the end and took the team to a total of 185. 
Australia, in response, lost Usman Khawaja as Jasprit Bumrah bagged his 31st wicket of the series. At stumps, Australia was 9 for one with 176 runs behind.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/clouds-looming-over-virat-kohli-batter-s-retirement-date-gets-finalised-/">Clouds looming over Virat Kohli! Batter's retirement date gets finalised</a>
<h2>Watch: Australian fans  humiliate Indians at SCG</h2>

The crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground has always been under the scanner, especially when the Indian team plays

Watch: Australian fans humiliating Indians at SCG? Viral video exposes Sydney crowd

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While all the attention has been going towards Rohit Sharma, the retirement of Virat Kohli might be closer than expected. The reports in Indian Express and PTI have suggested that time is ticking for the senior India batter in the longest format of the game. 
Rohit Sharma getting dropped from the Indian XI for the Sydney Test meant that the captain is no longer in the scheme of things in Tests. However, the report in Indian Express stated that Virat Kohli too might be at the helm of tough things when India is set to undergo transition. 
<h2>Selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar will be sitting with Virat Kohli after the ongoing Sydney Test to discuss his future</h2>
It is learned that the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar will be sitting with Virat Kohli after the ongoing Sydney Test to discuss his future. The premier batter has also been going through a rough patch of form and has struggled to score runs, getting out in similar fashion again and again to the balls outside off. 
In the other section of news, reported by PTI, it is learned that Virat Kohli's lean patch of form is making it very difficult for the Ajit Agarkar-led national selection committee to pick him for the England series. India will be playing a five-match series in England later this year, which will mark the new WTC cycle. 
The reports claimed that Virat Kohli had already made the decision to retire at the Oval after the fifth Test against England. However, his ambitions are all set to face a massive setback. This means that the premier batter might be told that he is no longer in plans for the next cycle of the World Test Championship. 
It is also learned that the only senior who will be in plans for the next cycle of the World Test Championship is Ravindra Jadeja. The all-rounder has proved his worth again and again, and there is no chance of removing him from the Test team any time soon as selectors believe there is not much better than him at the moment. 
Coming to Virat Kohli, the India batter has struggled to get going in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The right-hander hit a solid century in the first match at the Perth, and after that, things have been quite tough for him. The premier batter has been getting out to balls outside off.
Virat Kohli faced the same fate in the ongoing Sydney Test. He got out to Scott Boland as he yet again poked at the ball outside off. The batter will have another opportunity in the next innings, and it's fair to say if he fails to get going in the next innings, then it might be curtains for him in the longest format of the game.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/jasprit-bumrah-on-the-cusp-of-rewriting-history-eyes-two-all-time-bowling-records-in-the-final-test-at-scg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jasprit Bumrah on the cusp of rewriting history; eyes two all-time bowling records in the final test at SCG</a>

While all the attention has been going towards Rohit Sharma, the retirement of Virat Kohli might be closer than expected.

Clouds looming over Virat Kohli! Batter's retirement date gets finalised

clouds-looming-over-virat-kohli-batter-s-retirement-date-gets-finalised-

India captain Rohit Sharma possibly has played the last match of his career in Test cricket. As per the reports in Indian Express, it is learned that the exit door has been shown to the skipper related to his future in the longest format of the game. 
The reports added that Indian selectors have communicated to Rohit Sharma that they are no longer seeing him on the roadmap for the Tests beyond the Australia series. This means that the Test match in Melbourne was his last match in the longest format of the game. The next WTC cycle for India begins from England tour later this year. 
India captain Rohit Sharma was dropped from the team for the ongoing fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The last game of the series between the teams is taking place at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney and it no doubt will be an extremely crucial game for the team. 
Rohit Sharma was dropped amid his poor returns with the bat in the series. The India captain, since the home Test series against Bangladesh, has been struggling to get going, and his poor form continued even in Australia as he failed with bat both in the middle order as well as an opener. 
<h2>Rohit Sharma was replaced by Shubman Gill in the XI and Jasprit Bumrah was given the leadership role</h2>
Rohit Sharma was replaced by Shubman Gill in the XI and Jasprit Bumrah was given the leadership role. However, a captain getting dropped surely is a signal that the future isn't good for him as there are high chances that he might not be in the scheme of things going into the next World Test Championship Cycle. 
This will be a massive blow personally for Rohit Sharma. With him being at the fag end of his career, it would be very tough for him now to make a comeback into the Indian Test team. The youngsters too have been performing well, and it will not be great news for the team. 
As a leader too, Rohit Sharma hasn't looked great. It was only under his leadership that India lost the home Test series against New Zealand. Even in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, he hasn't looked shared. It remains to be seen what will be his future now. 
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/jasprit-bumrah-on-the-cusp-of-rewriting-history-eyes-two-all-time-bowling-records-in-the-final-test-at-scg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jasprit Bumrah on the cusp of rewriting history; eyes two all-time bowling records in the final test at SCG</a>

India captain Rohit Sharma possibly has played the last match of his career in Test cricket

Exit door shown to Rohit Sharma! Ajit Agarkar communicates to senior batter about the road map

exit-door-shown-to-rohit-sharma-ajit-agarkar-communicates-to-senior-batter-about-the-road-map-

Indian captain Rohit Sharma's name has been all over the internet for all the wrong reasons after the 37-year-old's decision to drop himself from the playing 11 of the team ahead of the Sydney Test-Match versus the Australians. The Indian skipper is not having a good time with the bat in the ongoing BGT series, managing to score just 31 runs ever since his return to the team in Adelaide Test-Match. 
Not just with the bat, the Men in Blue have not been able to perform well under his leadership, losing the matches in Melbourne and Adelaide and these defeats have allowed the Kangaroos to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match Series. 
Keeping his poor form with the bat and Team India's struggles in the BGT series under his captaincy, the 37-year-old came up with the call to sit out of the Sydney Test-Match. Bumrah replaced him as the skipper in the final match and when he came out for the toss at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday, he revealed that Rohit had decided to take a rest from the final match and therefore, he's not taking part in the Sydney Test-Match. 
However, some media reports have made contradictory claims that the 37-year-old had been dropped from the team after his lackluster performance with the bat in the last three matches of the BGT series. Seeing his name excluded from the team-sheet of Team India have also made many experts and fans think that the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match was the final test game of Rohit's career. 
If the MCG Test-Match were to be his final game in International Cricket too, keeping in mind that he's already 37-years-old, the Men in Blue would be in need of a new One-Day International Captain to handle the leadership duties and lead the team in the 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy in the UAE and Pakistan. 
The name of fast bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya has emerged as the main choice to replace Rohit as the skipper of Team India in One Day Cricket if his career continues to go downhill after his decision to miss the Sydney Test-Match of the BGT 2024-25 series.
"He (Hardik) knows how to lead the teams in crunch situations and the experience which he has as a captain and a fast bowling all-rounder makes him a good choice for leading the team in the 2025 Champions Trophy," a unnamed source told My Khel. 
"We also thought of making Shubman (Gill) lead the team but he's not that experienced and Surya hasn't performed well in One Day Cricket. Therefore, Pandya remains the front runner to lead the team in ODI if Rohit is not going to play," the source of My Khel added. 
Junior Pandya had previously captained the Men in Blue in three One-Day International matches, verus the Windies in July &amp; August of 2023 and versus the Australians in March of the same year.The 31-year-old who doesn't play in the longest format of the game anymore, was earlier viewed as the main candidate to handle the leadership duties in T20 Internationals but the BCCI eventually decided to ahead with Surya following the retirement of Rohit Sharma.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/jasprit-bumrah-on-the-cusp-of-rewriting-history-eyes-two-all-time-bowling-records-in-the-final-test-at-scg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jasprit Bumrah on the cusp of rewriting history; eyes two all-time bowling records in the final test at SCG</a>

Hardik Pandya has become the front runner to lead Team India in the Champions Trophy if Rohit Sharma steps down as the skipper

Hardik Pandya set to lead India in Champions Trophy 2025 if Rohit leaves his captaincy role

hardik-pandya-set-to-lead-india-in-champions-trophy-2025-if-rohit-leaves-his-captaincy-role

The Indian Team under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma suffered a crushing defeat versus the Mighty Australians in the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series by a margin of 184 runs. This win allowed the Aussies to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
At the same time, a lot of questions are being asked to captain Rohit Sharma and Head Coach Gautam Gambhir after this defeat in Melbourne. Alongside former Cricketers, the fans are also criticising the coaching methods of Gambhir. Now, a big update has come out ahead of the Sydney Test-Match. 
<h2>Gambhir likely to be sacked if Team India lose in Sydney</h2>
If the Men in Blue fail to secure a win in the Sydney Test-Match, then the difficulties of Gautam Gambhir will increase. According to some media reports, his job as the Head Coach of the Indian Team is under threat. The Sydney Test-Match will decide the fate of Gambhir as the Head-Coach of the Men in Blue. 
If the two time WTC Runner's-up manage to secure a win in Sydney, then the pressure on GG will decrease a bit. However, if they fail to win, then the former KKR Mentor days as the Head-Coach of the Indian Team will be numbered. It will be interesting to see what kind of a decision is taken on Gautam Gambhir's tenure after the Sydney Test.
<h3>India lost a Test-Series on home soil after a span of 12 years</h3>
Before competing in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series versus the Australians, Team India suffered a humiliating 0-3 home Test-Series defeat versus New Zealand. The Tom Latham-led team whitewashed Rohit Sharma &amp; CO in the three-match Test-Series and handed India their first Test-Series defeat on home soil in 12 years. 
At the same time, the Men in Blue have showcased a lackluster display in the BGT series and therefore, Gautam Gambhir, the Head-Coach of Team India is being criticised heavily.
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Gautam Gambhir (R) having a chat with Jasprit Bumrah (L) of India ahead of the Sydney Test-Match | Image: Getty Images

Gautam Gambhir's days as the Indian Cricket Team's Head Coach are going to be numbered if the Men in Blue fail go secure a win in Sydney