Batting great Sunil Gavaskar gave a massive suggestion to the Indian team going forward in Test cricket. He said that the Rohit Sharma-led should keep an eye on Venkatesh Iyer for the red-ball cricket as he can be handy for the team. 
India hasn't been blessed with as many fast-bowling all-rounders as they would've wanted. After Kapil Dev, it was Hardik Pandya who took the mantle and has been doing a staggering job for the team in the white-ball cricket but his fitness hasn't supported him at all. 
Hardik Pandya played a few Tests for India but couldn't carry on in the format. The all-rounder last played in 2018 and, after that, has been focusing on white-ball cricket after that, India tried Shardul Thakur, and although he did a decent job, the quality wasn't there, and he was dropped. 
India now has included Nitish Kumar Reddy in the team and the all-rounder has been doing a great job in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He has shown great promise with the bat as he also slammed a magnificent century and helped the team tackle the trouble. 
But it's fair to say that the quality of the ball still has been lacking. Nitish Kumar Reddy hasn't been the best with the ball and hasn't bowled well, which has put an extra burden on Jasprit Bumrah, who has bowled around 140 overs in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 
<h2>India must also keep an eye on Venkatesh Iyer, who can be another fine all-rounder and is a left-hander to bat - Sunil Gavaskar</h2>
Amid the debate around all-rounder, Sunil Gavaskar has suggested the name of Venkatesh Iyer, claiming that he can be a fine all-rounder for the team. He also pointed out that he played in the county. Writing in his column, he explained: 
"India must also keep an eye on Venkatesh Iyer, who can be another fine all-rounder and is a left-hander to bat. His bowling too can do with some work, but he has played in England and can be a very good option to have there," Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar. 
Venkatesh Iyer has already made his India debut, having played two ODIs and nine T20Is. He also played for Lancashire in the England summer earlier this year.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/indian-cricket-team-india-s-full-test-cricket-schedule-in-2025-they-will-face-these-teams/#google_vignette"> </a><a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/indian-cricket-team-india-s-full-test-cricket-schedule-in-2025-they-will-face-these-teams/#google_vignette">Indian Cricket: Team India's full Test Cricket schedule in 2025, they will face these teams</a>

Batting great Sunil Gavaskar gave a massive suggestion to the Indian team going forward in Test cricket.

Not Hardik Pandya or Nitish Reddy, Sunil Gavaskar wants this fast-bowling all-rounder for Tests

not-hardik-pandya-or-nitish-reddy-sunil-gavaskar-wants-this-fast-bowling-all-rounder-for-tests-

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.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/virat-kohli-and-rohit-sharma-all-set-to-be-part-of-england-odis-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma all set to be part of England ODIs</a>

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

IND vs AUS: Gautam Gambhir is going to be under big trouble if India fails to win in Sydney

ind-vs-aus-gautam-gambhir-is-going-to-be-under-big-trouble-if-india-fails-to-win-in-sydney

In what promises to be an intense and exciting encounter, Fierce-Rivals Australia and India will be witnessed locking horns versus each other for one last time in the 5th &amp; the final Test-Match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series on Australian Soil. Under the leadership of Jasprit Bumrah, the aim of the Men in Blue would be to win this forthcoming contest and retain the precious BGT Trophy. We will also be taking a look at the Dream 11 teams ahead of this exciting encounter. 
Currently, the Pat Cummins-led team are ahead in the series as they have a 2-1 lead and this makes the Sydney Test-Match a must win one for the Men in Blue. Winning this test would also keep Team India's hopes of qualifying for the WTC Final alive. 
<h3>IND vs AUS 5th Test: Team Updates of both teams</h3>
Talking about team updates, the Kangaroos have decided to replace all-rounder Mitchell Marsh with 31-year-old Beautiful Webster in the starting 11 for the Sydney Test-Match. India on the other hand, will have to make a forced change as Akash Deep is set to miss the final contest due to a back injury and Prasidh Krishna is expected to replace him in the team.
<h2>IND vs AUS: Head-2-Head Records in Test Cricket</h2>
Fierce-Rivals Australia and India have faced each other 111 times in Test Cricket and out of these 111 encounters, 47 have been won by the Kangaroos while the Indians have finished out on top on 33 occasions. 30 contests between the two teams have ended in a draw while one encounter got tied. 
<h2>IND vs AUS 5th Test: Pitch-Report of the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) </h2>
Everyone's eyes are on the pitch of Sydney Cricket Ground. Although it is considered to be the most helpful pitch for spin in Australia. But there is a lot of grass on the pitch a day before the match. Now it will be interesting to see whether the grass is removed on the morning of the match or left as it is. Even after having grass, if the match goes on the fourth and fifth day, then there is every possibility of spin getting help. Three of the top-4 bowlers who have taken the most Test wickets on this ground are spinners.
<h2>IND vs AUS 5th Test: Weather Forecast of the match</h2>
According to AccuWeather's report, there will be no rain for the first 4 days while the threat of rain will loom over the match on the last day. There is an 80% chance of rain in Sydney on the 7th of January. The match may also be a draw due to rain, which will not be good news for Team India. If the Sydney Test is drawn, Team India will lose the series 1-2.
<h2>IND vs AUS 5th Test: Best Dream-11 Team for the Sydney Test-Match</h2>
Batters: Travis Head, Steven Smith and Yashasvi Jaiswal
All Rounders: Nitish Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja
Wicket Keepers: Rishabh Pant
Bowlers: Nathan Lyon, Jasprit Bumrah, Scott Boland, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc

Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-aus-rohit-sharma-opts-out-of-sydney-test-massive-updates-about-indian-xi-arrive-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma opts out of Sydney Test, massive updates about Indian XI arrive</a>

Team India players celebrate Australia's first wicket | Image: Cricket Australia

The fifth and the final match of the 2024-25 BGT series is all set to commence from tomorrow i.e 3rd of January between India and Australia and Dream 11 fans looking forward to making a winnable team can reach our article

IND vs AUS 5th Test: Dream 11 Teams, Pitch Report, Weather Forecast and more

ind-vs-aus-5th-test-dream-11-teams-pitch-report-weather-forecast-and-more

India batter Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are all set to play the three-match ODI series against England. As per the reports in Times of India, it is learned that both the senior batters of the team will be playing the series and have no intention to take a rest. 
A few days ago, some reports claimed that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli won't be playing the three-match ODI series against England. The duo were speculated to be rested to manage their workload, especially after the hectic Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 
But it raised many eyeballs as to why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be rested, especially with the three-match ODI series against England being the only series ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The ICC event will be taking place in February-March and it will be a crucial tournament for India. 
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have come under massive pump for their poor returns with the bat. And also with them already announcing their retirement from T20Is, the ODIs against England and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be extremely important for both the stalwarts. 
The ODI series between England and India will get underway from 6th February at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur. The second game of the series is scheduled to take place on 9th February in Cuttack, followed by the last match to be played on 12th at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. 
<h2>Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli last played a white-ball game during the ODI series against Sri Lanka</h2>
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli last played a white-ball game during the ODI series against Sri Lanka. The two players will have to play a massive part if India needs to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Rohit Sharma-led side will be playing their games in Dubai as the tournament will be played in a Hybrid model. 
Currently, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are playing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia. Both the players have struggled to get going. The skipper, in particular, has looked torrid and is all set to be dropped from the team for the last match of the series. 
Virat Kohli, on the other hand, slammed a century in the opening match of the series. But after that, has looked torrid with the bat. It remains to be seen how he will fare in the last game of the series.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/gambhir-vs-agarkar-selection-committee-declined-head-coach-s-request-of-cheteshwar-pujara-s-inclusion-for-bgt-2024-25-reports/">Gambhir vs Agarkar? Selection Committee declined Head Coach's request of Cheteshwar Pujara's inclusion for BGT 2024-25: Reports</a>

India batter Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are all set to play the three-match ODI series against England.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma all set to be part of England ODIs

virat-kohli-and-rohit-sharma-all-set-to-be-part-of-england-odis-

With the 2025 New Year celebrations over, the Indian Cricket Team have now begun their preparations for the next BGT match. Under the leadership of Jasprit Bumrah, the Men in Blue will be playing their first Test contest of 2025 in Sydney. This match will be played versus the the Pat Cummins-led Australia from the 3rd of January. 
The Indian Team is currently taking part in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Five-Match Test-Series on Australian soil. The home side currently have the advantage as they are leading the series by 2-1. The fifth and the decisive contest of the series will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The Jasprit Bumrah-led team will be looking to secure a victory by any means in the final encounter in order to retain the precious BGT Trophy. 
<h2>Change in captaincy ahead of the Sydney Test-Match</h2>
Regular Captain Rohit Sharma has decided to drop himself from the final Test-Match as his performance in the entire series has been disastrous, managing to score just 31 runs in five innings versus the Kangaroos. 
A lot of pressure was being created on Rohit and the Men in Blue even won the Perth Test-Match under the captaincy of Bumrah where Sharma was not available as he was away on paternity leave and therefore, the two time WTC Runner's-up will be seen entering the field of Sydney with Jasprit Bumrah as the captain.
<h2>What's the record of Team India in Test-Matches played in Sydney? </h2>
The Indian Cricket Team have a really poor record in Test-Matches played in Sydney. They have managed to reign supreme just once at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), that too 47 years ago.That means if the Blue Brigade manage to secure a victory in the final Test-Match in Sydney, then their shameful winless streak will get broken. 
The Men in Blue have taken part in 13 Sydney Test-Matches so far, managing to win just one and have suffered defeats in five contests. The other remaining matches at this venue between Australia and India have ended in a draw i.e seven draws. 
India won their only Sydney Test-Match way back in January of 1978, where they triumphed over the Kangaroos by a margin of an inning and two runs under the leadership of the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi. This was time when Test Matches used to be of 6 days and there used to be a rest day in between.
Total Tests played in Sydney: 13
Won: 1
Lost: 5
Drawn: 7 
The upcoming 5th Test-Match in Sydney will be must win one for the Jasprit Bumrah-led team if they want to have any hopes of retaining the BGT Trophy. Winning the match in Sydney will also allow them to keep their hopes of qualifying for their third successive WTC Final alive. 
<h2>Playing 11's of both teams for the 5th Test-Match in Sydney</h2>
India (Probable): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Virat Kohli, Nitish Reddy, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah (Captain) and Harshit Rana.
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Sam Konstas, Beau Webster, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Pat Cummins (Captain), Nathan Lyon, Alex Carey (WK), Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/gambhir-vs-agarkar-selection-committee-declined-head-coach-s-request-of-cheteshwar-pujara-s-inclusion-for-bgt-2024-25-reports/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gambhir vs Agarkar? Selection Committee declined Head Coach's request of Cheteshwar Pujara's inclusion for BGT 2024-25: Reports</a>

Jasprit Bumrah of India celebrates the wicket of Australia's Usman Khawaja | Image: Getty Images

The Indian Cricket Team have a shameful record in Test-Matches played in Sydney and they haven't won a single match at that venue since 1978. They would be looking to end this winless streak and rewrite history

IND vs AUS: Team India has a shameful record in Sydney, will the winless streak break in the 5th Test?

ind-vs-aus-team-india-has-a-shameful-record-in-sydney-will-the-winless-streak-break-in-the-5th-test-

India Cricket Team is all set to have massive changes going into the last match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The Showdown will be taking place at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, and it surely will be more than just a match for the visitors. 
As per the reports in Indian Express, it is learned that Rohit Sharma is all set to be rested for the final game of the series. The Indian captain has himself opted out of the Sydney Test and conveyed the same to head coach Gautam Gambhir and the chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar. 
Both Agarkar and Gambhir accepted Rohit Sharma's decision and the team will be playing the game without their captain. In his absence, Jasprit Bumrah will be captaining the team and Shubman Gill will be replacing Rohit in the XI and will be batting at No.3 in the last game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 
Rohit Sharma opting out of the Sydney Test means that the India captain has played his last game in whites. The reports claimed that he might not be in the scheme of things for the next World Test Championship Cycle, which begins with a tour to England in June-July this year. 
Jasprit Bumrah captained the Indian team in the opening game of the series in Perth and under his leadership team won the match. The reports claimed that Shubman Gill will be batting at No.3 and KL Rahul will open the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. 
<h2> Prasidh Krishna will be drafted into the XI in place of Akash Deep</h2>
The reports also added that Prasidh Krishna will be drafted into the XI in place of Akash Deep. The latter got injured in the practice session and has been ruled out of the match. It will be a massive opportunity for Krishna to make an impact and help the team draw the series and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. 
Also, there were reports which stated that Rishabh Pant will be dropped for Dhruv Jurel but Indian Express has confirmed that the Southpaw will be playing the match. He faced a lot of criticism getting out to wild shots in the last two games and would be hoping to silence all his critics.
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 Cricket Team is all set to have massive changes going into the last match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma opts out of Sydney Test, massive updates about Indian XI arrive

ind-vs-aus-rohit-sharma-opts-out-of-sydney-test-massive-updates-about-indian-xi-arrive-

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-

The Indian Men's National Cricket Team is set to suffer a major setback as it prepares to take on Fierce-Rivals Australia in the 5th &amp; final Test-Match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Fresh Reports are emerging that the Men in Blue may lose the services of fast bowler Akash Deep for the crucial Do-or-Die Sydney Test-Match. There are also reports that have emerged recently which have suggested that the Indian team management are considering the place of wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant in the team. 
28-year-old Akash Deep has been dealt a major setback with a possible back injury. According to the news report of the Indian Express, the players is suffering a lot of pain in his back and will most likely miss out on selection from the Sydney Test-Match. On the other hand, some news reports suggest that the Team management is considering replacing Pant with Dhruv Jurel in Sydney. 
The absence of both players at such a crucial time is surely going to prove to be a major setback for the Indian team. Akash is a player who has performed well with both ball &amp; bat and this was pretty evident in the Melbourne Test-Match, where he saved the Rohit Sharma-led outfit from the follow-on threat by getting involved in a crucial 47 run partnership for the final wicket with fellow pacer Jasprit Bumrah.
<h2>Who will be the replacement of Akash Deep? </h2>
The injury to the 28-year-old seamer has halted the Rohit Sharma-led outfit's preparations for the 5th Test-Match in Sydney. The two time WTC Runner's-up now will be forced to rethink and rework their strategies and they also have to take care of vice captain Jasprit Bumrah's workload. 
With Akash Deep likely to sit out of the 5th Test-Match, Harshit Rana is likely to be given yet another opportunity to prove himself in Sydney and he will be looking to perform at his best and help the Indian Team retain the precious BGT Trophy. 
The Indian Think Tank might also consider the possibility of bringing in Prasidh Krishna into the playing 11 in place of Jadeja Or Sundar, but since the surface of the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is known to provide assistance to the spin bowlers, the Men in Blue will likely go ahead with two spinners. Also Jadeja and Sundar are handy batters so the Indian think tank might no want to hamper their batting at the expense of bringing in an extra bowler.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/5-reasons-why-team-india-lost-the-melbourne-test-match-versus-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">5 Reasons why Team India lost the Melbourne Test match versus Australia</a>

Akash Deep of India caused a lot of problems for Steve Smith and Travis Head of Australia in the Gabba Test-Match | Image: Getty Images

Team India have been handed a major setback as Akash Deep is suffering back pain issues is likely to miss the 5th Test-Match in Sydney.