The Delhi Capitals have been a fairly consistent team in the past few years, in the past 3 years, they qualified for the playoffs 2 times. The credit for success surely has to be given to Ricky Ponting, Shreyas Iyer, and Rishabh Pant. We also need to acknowledge the fact that Delhi is always able to build a big core group of players. This season as well they were able to form a nice core of players. An all-rounder adds a dynamic nature to a team and Delhi Capitals certainly had a few last seasons. So, who will be the all-rounders that they will target in TATA IPL 2023:&nbsp;



<h2>1) Odean Smith can play for the Delhi Capitals:&nbsp;</h2>



The Delhi Capitals and their experience with Rovman Powell were not very ideal. Rovman who has the potential to take the team home from impossible situations was struggling on the Indian pitches. Rovman just won them one game which doesn?t justify his price and potential. They can replace him with another West Indian beast, Odean Smith. The case with Odean is that Odean is surely going to ball at least two overs per game at the speed of 145 kmph. He will also do the finishing role for the team.&nbsp;



Odean Smith played in the TATA IPL 2022 for the Punjab Kings. The Punjab Kings couldn?t make effective use of the potential that Odean has. So, the better option for Odean could be to look for other franchises. If Punjab liquidates Odean Smith and he comes to the auction table, Delhi Capitals can certainly target him. Odean Smith?s T20 numbers with the bat are great. Here is a look:&nbsp;



<h2>2) Mitchell Marsh can play for the Delhi Capitals:&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/06/Mitchell-Marsh-min-1024x576.jpg" alt="Mitchell Marsh" class="wp-image-90348" /><figcaption>IMG SRC: ICC</figcaption></figure>



The Delhi Capitals have the most improved cricketer of the past two years in their team already. They must be very interested in not letting Mitchell Marsh go. Mitchell Marsh isn?t bowling currently as he is a fragile commodity and bowling can result in an injury but he can do the job in a few months after rehabilitation. &nbsp;



Marsh has been very impressed with the bat in the past few years. He comes to bat at number 4 or number 3 and takes the game away single-handedly. His latest performances for the Delhi Capitals justify his price tag and the respect he has. He was an integral part of the Australian National Team, winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE. Marsh has become technically sound. The one thing that can still bother the Delhi Capitals is his availability next year as the Ashes will be played and Marsh can be a serious player for the Australian Test Team as well. &nbsp;



<h2>3) Aiden Markram/ Deepak Hooda:&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/06/Deepak-Hooda-min-1024x576.jpg" alt="Deepak Hooda Delhi Capitals" class="wp-image-90347" /><figcaption>IMG SRC: The Indian Express</figcaption></figure>



The Delhi Capitals do not have an off-spin bowling all-rounder. They need an orthodox right-arm break bowler who can give them 2 to 3 overs. They need someone to compliment Axar Patel. Bapu has been very economical for them but the void of Ravichandra Ashwin needs to be filled. Delhi cannot get a bowler of that caliber but they can target either Aiden Markram or Deepak Hooda. Both of them are batting all-rounders but can certainly bowl 2 overs a game. &nbsp;



Markram?s this part of the game was only known to the world when he bowled a few good overs in the powerplay against India in the Indian tour of South Africa 2021. He bowled for the Sunrisers in TATA IPL 2022 in the powerplay overs. Deepak Hooda on the other hand was one of the top batters from the Lucknow Super Giants. Whenever LSG was in crisis Deepak delivered big time. The Delhi Capitals must hope that at least one of these two players must come to the auction next year. &nbsp;



To read more such cricket articles go to <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/tata-ipl-2023-top-3-all-rounders-the-chennai-super-kings-can-target/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TATA IPL 2023: Top 3 All-Rounders the Chennai Super Kings can Target.&nbsp;</a>



To read more such articles go to <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/mumbai-indians-top-3-all-rounders-to-target-in-tata-ipl-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mumbai Indians: Top 3 All-Rounders to Target in TATA IPL 2023.&nbsp;</a>



Read more such articles at <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/royal-challengers-bangalore-3-all-rounders-to-target-in-ipl-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Challengers Bangalore: 3 All-Rounders to Target in IPL 2023.&nbsp;</a>



Go to the official website of the<a href="https://www.delhicapitals.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Delhi Capitals to know more</a>.

Delhi Capitals: Top 3 All-Rounders They will target in TATA IPL 2023. &nbsp;

delhi-capitals-top-3-all-rounders-they-will-target-in-tata-ipl-2023

3 Players Punjab Kings (PBKS) might release ahead of the IPL 2023: The Mohali-based Punjab Kings (PBKS) once again endured an underwhelming season in the Tata Indian Premier League (IPL). No matter how good they perform during the auction process, PBKS somehow manages to slip from its consistent run. The recently completed season is no different for the Mayank Agarwal-led PBKS.



Before the start of the tournament, Punjab Kings looked absolutely belter squad with massive players for each position, however, their performance looked like a pale shadow of themselves.



Despite having a formidable squad in place, Punjab couldn?t win two matches on the bounce in the Tata IPL 2022. Mayank Agarwal and Co tend to win a game and then loses away the other, such has been the story of Punjab Kings in the IPL.



Nevertheless, recovering from the early exit in the Tata IPL 2022, the franchise would love to strategise for future events. PBKS would certainly release a few players from their existing squad and will look to fill the places with their worthy alternatives.



This article would take you through the top 3 Players Punjab Kings (PBKS) might release ahead of the IPL 2023.



<h2>3 Players Punjab Kings (PBKS) might release ahead of the IPL 2023:</h2>



<h3>Sandeep Sharma:</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/06/Sandeep-Sharma-PBKS-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90351" /><figcaption>Image: PBKS/IPL</figcaption></figure>



Punjab Kings (PBKS) picked up the services of experienced Indian pacer Sandeep Sharma during the auction for INR 50 Lakhs. Sandeep Sharma is a domestic name in the Indian Premier League, having played 105 matches and picked 114 scalps in the tournament.



However, the pacer couldn?t prove himself beneficial for Punjab Kings in the IPL 2022. Sharma featured in 5 matches for PBKS and returned with just two wickets against his name. His average has surged all the way up to 76.50 which will be a concern.



Moreover, in the last three editions of the IPL, Sandeep Sharma has only picked up 14 wickets which is ordinary for a bowler of his calibre.



Punjab may release him ahead of the next auction and try to pick a substitute pacer in his place.



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/mohammad-siraj-was-overpriced-in-ipl-2022-rcb-should-release-him-in-ipl-2023/">Mohammad Siraj was overpriced in IPL 2022, RCB should release him in IPL 2023&nbsp;</a>



<h3>Odean Smith:</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/06/Odean-Smith-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-90352" /><figcaption>Image: IPL/BCCI</figcaption></figure>



Punjab Kings (PBKS) went crazy to pick West Indies all-rounder Odean Smith from the auction table, earlier this year, and spend INR 6 Crores to grab his services. The all-rounder's name was once associated with the likes of Andre Russell for his six-hitting abilities and bowling.



However, what followed in the IPL was exactly the opposite of what everyone had imagined. Smith could only score 56 runs in six outings for PBKS and scalped 6 wickets.



Moreover, a huge turn in his IPL appearance came when he conceded two consecutive sixes in the last two deliveries of the match against Gujarat Titans? Rahul Tewatia. Punjab lost the game which was with them till the second last delivery.



PBKS management would definitely think about the future of Odean Smith in the franchise.&nbsp;



<h3>Shahrukh Khan:</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/01/Shahrukh-Khan-PBKS-1.jpg" alt="Two Indian Players to bag" class="wp-image-83168" /><figcaption>Image:IPL</figcaption></figure>



A whopping sum of INR 9 Crores was spent on Shahrukh Khan during the auction process by Punjab Kings. Shahrukh Khan entered the IPL auction arena riding on the back of his fiery outing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Tamil Nadu.



After being successful in the domestic tournament, Khan was anticipated to translate his sublime performance in the Indian Premier League as well which is why he went for INR 9 Crores during the auction.



Though the 27-years old cricketer showed a glimpse of his heroics, however, he wasn?t consistent enough to please the spectators and experts.&nbsp;



In eight innings of the IPL 2022, Khan could only muscle 117 runs at a poor strike rate of 108.33. Moreover, his average (16.71) isn?t encouraging either.&nbsp;



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/world-test-championship-2023-final-likely-to-be-staged-at-iconic-lords-cricket-ground/">World Test Championship 2023 Final likely to be staged at iconic Lord?s Cricket Ground</a>

3 Players Punjab Kings (PBKS) might release ahead of the IPL 2023

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The Sunrisers Hyderabad had a decent campaign in TATA IPL 2022. The maestros from Hyderabad did face a problem that ruined their campaign. The concerning form of Kane Williamson was a major reason. The unavailability of Washington Sundar also spoiled the party for SRH. The silver lining for the team was the rise of <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/abhishek-sharma/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/abhishek-sharma/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abhishek Sharma </a>and the form of Rahul Tripathi. However, the Sunrisers do need to update their arsenal of all-rounders for the upcoming season. So, who are the all-rounders that they can target? The presence of Washington Sundar already in the squad will also play a major role in this decision. ?



<h2>1) Liam Livingstone can play for Sunrisers Hyderabad:&nbsp;</h2>



The reason that the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the form of Nicholas Pooran. Pooran had a good or decent as to say run with the bat. However, he did not justify the 10.75 Crore tag associated with him. The Sunrisers wanted an explosive batter at the number 4 or number 5 position but what they got instead was just overrun a ball by Pooran. The situation for Pooran however was not very ideal always. ?



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/06/Liam-Livingstone-min-1.jpg" alt="Liam Livingstone" class="wp-image-90730" /><figcaption>IMG SRC: NDTV Sports</figcaption></figure>



But Liam Livingstone on the other hand delivered big time. Every time the<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/punjab-kings-top-3-all-rounders-to-target-in-tata-ipl-2023/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/punjab-kings-top-3-all-rounders-to-target-in-tata-ipl-2023/" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Punjab Kings</a> were in a crisis, the lad from England played very well. He was range hitting the bowlers. He was hitting sixes at his will. His 117m hit over square leg to Mohammed Shami left everyone speechless. Liam is an example for all the next-generation cricketers as he does every task on the field. He bats, bowls leg-spin, bowls off-spin and is a gun fielder. His fitness is also remarkable. ?



SRH can sell out Nicholas Pooran and Romario Shepherd and get the price money required to buy Liam Livingstone and he is a much safer commodity. They will however have to make a lucrative offer to Liam so that he gets released from the Punjab Kings. &nbsp;



<h2>2) Odean Smith can play for the Sunrisers Hyderabad:&nbsp;</h2>



Odean Smith is an ideal replacement for Romario Shepherd. Romario was bought by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for a whopping 7.75 Crores. But his performance was very mediocre. If a team invests big money in a player, the player is expected to at least play all the games but this was not the case with Romario. ?



After a few failures in the initial games, Romario was dropped. What the Sunrisers can do is to let go of <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ipl-2022-lsg-vs-srh-lucknow-win-by-12-runs-avesh-khan-shines/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ipl-2022-lsg-vs-srh-lucknow-win-by-12-runs-avesh-khan-shines/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Romario Shepherd</a> and try to get him at a lower price. Or try to get Odean Smith who has at least shown some promise with the bat for the Punjab Kings. The perks of playing Odean include the facts that he bowls 145 clicks and gives 2 to 3 dependable overs in the powerplay if required. ?



<h2>3) Abhishek Sharma:&nbsp;</h2>



Rather than looking around the Sunrisers must make sure that Abhishek Sharma decides to play for them. He was bought by 6.25 Cores at the TATA IPL 2022 Mega Auction by the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Abhishek was coming from a decent domestic season and had started opening the batting for the Punjab domestic team. ?



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2022/06/image-3-883x1024.png" alt="Abhishek Sharma Sunrisers Hyderabad." class="wp-image-90485" /><figcaption>IMG SRC: Info Knocks .com</figcaption></figure>



Sunrisers Hyderabad did the same trick and floated Abhishek up the order. Kane Williamson was struggling big time but the pangs were not felt as Abhishek was doing well. With limited support from the other end, Abhishek still notched up 426 runs. He belongs to the batch of Prithvi Shaw, Shubman Gill, and Kamlesh Nagarkoti. He was earlier used as a pinch-hitter and as a part-time bowler. &nbsp;



The Sunrisers made a great decision by backing Abhishek Sharma. Now it is their chance to effectively use this youth sensation. He can do wonders for the team even with the ball as he has a knack for picking wickets. He gives 1 to 2 overs of off-spin. ?



To read more such articles go to <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/tata-ipl-2022-top-5-bowling-performances-in-ipl-2022/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/tata-ipl-2022-top-5-bowling-performances-in-ipl-2022/" rel="noreferrer noopener">TATA IPL 2022: Top 5 Bowling Performances in IPL 2022</a>.?



Read more such articles at <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/royal-challengers-bangalore-3-all-rounders-to-target-in-ipl-2023/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/royal-challengers-bangalore-3-all-rounders-to-target-in-ipl-2023/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Challengers Bangalore: 3 All-Rounders to Target in IPL 2023.</a>



To read more such articles go to <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/gujarat-titans-top-3-new-all-rounders-to-target-for-tata-ipl-2023/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/gujarat-titans-top-3-new-all-rounders-to-target-for-tata-ipl-2023/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gujarat Titans: Top 3 New All-Rounders to Target for TATA IPL 2023.?</a>



To know more go to the<a href="https://www.sunrisershyderabad.in/" target="_blank" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.sunrisershyderabad.in/" rel="noreferrer noopener"> official website</a> of the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Top 3 New All-Rounders to Target for TATA IPL 2023.&nbsp;

sunrisers-hyderabad-top-3-new-all-rounders-to-target-for-tata-ipl-2023

Team India are all set to face Australia in the fifth and final test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. This clash will be played between January 3-7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. India have been going through a transition period, and they are trying their best to survive in the World Test Championship.
Not just this, India are on the verge of losing the BGT trophy for the first time since 2014. This will add salt to their wounds as the WTC final is also on the line. However, just hours ahead of the start of the fifth test, the Indian camp dropped a bombshell.
The Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who is going through a rough patch, has been dropped from the playing XI, and Jasprit Bumrah will lead the visitors in the SCG test. This has come as massive news for Indian fans, as there have been some rumours about Rohit Sharma's retirement from test cricket.
<h2>List of Indian Captains to be dropped from playing XI midway through the series</h2>
Rohit Sharma has been going through a tough run. He has scored only 164 runs in the last 8 tests and scored the 50-run mark only once. His form has certainly made a big difference in India's poor run in Test cricket for the last couple of months. India lost their first-ever home test series since 2012 and suffered a series defeat.
Rohit missed the first test in Perth, and Bumrah led India to a tremendous win. The Indian captain joined the team in the second test. He has scored 32 runs in three tests at an average of 6.20. His poor run raises questions on his place as India dropped Shubman Gill from the team in the fourth test.
But now, Rohit is likely to be dropped from the playing XI for the fifth test. The Indian captain wasn't even fully involved in the practice sessions in Sydney. But if he misses the fifth test, it will be a historic moment in Indian cricket history. It is because this is the first time that an Indian captain has been dropped from a playing XI in the midway through the international series.
And this is the first occurrence since 2014 that a captain has had to sit out in an international series. Last time it was Misbah-ul-Haq who decided to sit out from the third ODI against Australia, and Shahid Afridi replaced him as captain. If we look at the history, England's Mike Denness was the first captain to decide to sit out during the fourth Test of the Ashes 1974.
Also 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/">Jasprit Bumrah on the cusp of rewriting history; eyes two all-time bowling records in the final test at SCG</a>

Jasprit Bumrah is likely to replace Rohit Sharma as captain in the fifth and final Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Rohit Sharma to be dropped from 5th Test: List of Indian Captains to be dropped midway through a series

rohit-sharma-to-be-dropped-from-5th-test-list-of-indian-captains-to-be-dropped-midway-through-a-series

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?

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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

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IND vs AUS: The stage is set, and Team India will square off against Australia for the final time in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The hosts started the series brilliantly with a win over Australia in Perth. But that has been the only good performance for India so far.
After that the visitors are only chasing the momentum while Australia have been very dominant in their performances. Their relentless bowling attack with some game-changing contributions from the batters has helped them to take a 2-1 lead. For India, Jasprit Bumrah has been the shining light throughout the series, who has been the lone survivor for India.
The final test will kick off at 5 AM on Friday at the Sydney Cricket Stadium. India might be bringing in Shubman Gill and Prasidh Krishna in for Rohit Sharma and Akashdeep, and it will be Bumrah who will lead the team. He will also have some big records in front of him to achieve in the fifth and final test at the SCG.
<h2>IND vs AUS: Jasprit Bumrah eyes an all-time BGT record in the fifth and final test at SCG</h2>
Jasprit Bumrah has been superb in this series so far. He has taken a total of 30 wickets in four tests at an average of 12.83 and a strike rate of 28.26. He has taken three fifers and two four-wicket hauls. Meanwhile, the second highest wicket-taker in the series is Pat Cummins with 20 wickets. That tells the difference between Bmrah and the rest of the bowlers.
He has been phenomenal this series. But it is not over yet. The ace Indian pacer will have a couple of big records in front of him to achieve. One of them will be the record for most wickets in a Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Currently, former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh holds this record. He took 30 wickets in three tests during BGT 2000-01.
Bumrah is the only second bowler to take 30 wickets in a BGT trophy in history. He is just three wickets away from breaking Harbhajan's record and adding another milestone to his kitty. Apart from this, Bumrah is also near to breaking the 52-year-old record by Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, who took 35 wickets in a test series against England in 1972-73.
That tally of 35 wickets is the most wickets by an Indian bowler in a test series. Bumrah need six more wickets, and the way he is going, it looks possible that he might break this record as well. Notably, India need this win to retain the BGT trophy and also stay alive in the WTC final race.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-player-battles-to-watch-out-for-in-the-fifth-ind-vs-aus-test-at-the-scg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3 Player Battles to Watch out for in the fifth IND vs AUS Test at the SCG</a>

Jasprit Bumrah has taken 30 wickets in the four tests at a record-breaking average of 12.83. He is the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Jasprit Bumrah on the cusp of rewriting history; eyes two all-time bowling records in the final test at SCG

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IND vs AUS: The fifth and final test between India and Australia will begin at 5 AM on January 3. This will be the last chance for Team India to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and stay in the race for the World Test Championship final. If they lose, they will lose both these great things. Australia are currently trailing 2-1 in the series and will enter the final test as favorites.
India need to find out ways to get runs from their batters and also support Jasprit Bumrah with other bowlers. We might see some changes in the playing XI for the final test. But all in all, it is expected to be a great battle between two powerhouses. Here we will talk about the top three player battles to watch out for in the fifth IND vs AUS test.
<h2>Three Top Player Battlers to watch out for in Fifth IND vs AUS test at SCG</h2>
1. Yashavi Jaiswal vs Mitchell Starc
Indian young opener Yashavi Jaiswal is the leading scorer for India in the ongoing IND vs AUS test series. He has scored 359 runs in four tests at an average of 51.29. Jasiwal scored 82 and 84 in two innings of the fourth test. India will hope he continues his form and scores runs.
If he gets set, he plays big innings; that's where Australia will rely on Mitchell Starc. This has been an exciting battle to watch so far in four tests. Jaiswal loves to take on Starc, and the pacer has had his number a few times. Starc has dismissed Jaiswal four times in tests this year, and Jaiswal scored 107 runs against him.
2. Rohit Sharma &amp; Virat Kohli vs Pat Cummins
The Australian captain, Pat Cummins, is one of the best modern-day bowlers for sure. He is just ahead of the opposition batter and loves to dominate. He played a crucial role in Australia winning the MCG test and won the Player of the Match award.
Meanwhile, for India, runs from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, as these two have struggled badly. There are questions on their position in the team, and they have this last chance. But Cummins will not make it easy for them. The Australian captain has troubled these two stars many times. Cummins has dismissed Rohit 8 times in tests and dismissed Virat 5 times.
3. Travis Head &amp; Steve Smith vs Jasprit Bumrah
India were able to contain Travis Head in the fourth test, but Steve Smith slammed a brilliant ton. These two have scored two centuries each in the IND vs AUS test and have become a big headache for India. Hence, the visitors will look to go with the plan against them.
That's where Jasprit Bumrah will have a vital role. Bumrah has enjoyed bowling against the best, and these two certainly are. Bumrah has dismissed Head six times in tests, including four in 2024, while Bumrah has dismissed Smith four times in tests, including three times in 2024.
Also 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>

Australia are leading the ongoing IND vs AUS test series 2-1. The fifth and final test will begin at 5 AM on Friday at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

3 Player Battles to Watch out for in the fifth IND vs AUS Test at the SCG

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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

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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.

India's Akash Deep set to miss the 5th Test Match in Sydney, suffers am injury setback

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The 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series is currently going on in Australia between the Mighty Aussies and Team India. The series was tied at 1-1 after the two Fierce-Rivals played out a dramatic 3rd Test-Match in Brisbane but the hosts fought back in excellent fashion, securing a hard-fought victory by 184 runs in the Boxing-Day Test-Match in Melbourne and took a 2-1 lead. 
Except the Test-Match in Perth, Virat Kohli hasn't created any kind of impact with the bat and Rohit on the other hand, has looked completely out of touch since returning in the Adelaide Test-Match. Moreover, all of their shot choices have proven to be poor and mediocre. Even in the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match, both players got punished after playing mediocre shots. 
<h2>Gambhir will have the final say in terms of deciding the Playing 11:</h2>
It has been reported that the Indian Team selectors and the chairman of the selection committee Ajit Agarkar have given Gambhir the full authority to select the Starting 11 for the Must-win Sydney Test-Match. 
Since the Sydney Test-Match is going to be a do-or-die one for the Rohit Sharma-led team, it's being said that the out-of-form players will most likely get dropped and the in-form players will be given the opportunity to prove themselves. There is a high possibility that the duo of Kohli &amp; Rohit might get dropped for the Sydney Test. 
During the net practice session, if both the experienced players perform in a satisfactory manner, only then they will be included in the Starting 11.The places of other players will also be decided through the net-practice sessions. 
Therefore, there are high chances of Dhruv Jurel getting a chance to play in the final Test-Match and the return of Shubman Gill is also going to be imminent. Mostly, he will replace the Indian captain Rohit Sharma in the playing 11.Also, there are chances that Nitish Kumar Reddy might get a chance to bat up the order. 
<h2>The Bowling-Attack is likely to see some changes</h2>
Except Jasprit Bumrah, the rest of the Indian bowlers have failed to live upto expectations and this over reliance on the Indian Vice-Captain is proving to be a big problem for the Men in Blue. Bumrah needs to get some support from his fellow bowlers and since he's not getting it, some hard changes are expected to be made. 
Siraj may have dismissed 16 batters in the ongoing BGT series but he has not looked at his best in the first four encounters versus the Aussies and this may be a good time to give some rest to the 30-year-old and bring in Prasidh Krishna. 
The 28-year-old seamer is someone who knows how to use the bouncer well and his deadly bouncers on the pitch of Sydney can prove to be a nightmare for the Australian batters. 
Talking about Akash Deep, he hasn't proven to be effective at all with the ball and while he may have scored some crucial runs as a tailender, they may not be enough to save him from getting dropped. Harshit Rana who took a four wicket haul in the Perth Test-Match is likely to replace Akash Deep in the Starting 11 for the Sydney Test. 
While the former wasn't effective in Adelaide, he can prove his doubters wrong by giving his best in the Sydney Test-Match. 
India's Strongest Playing XI (5th Test) - KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Reddy, Shubman Gill, Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant (WK), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Prasidh Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah (captain) &amp; Harshit Rana.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/jasprit-bumrah-crushes-ravichandran-ashwin-to-become-the-first-india-bowler-to-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jasprit Bumrah crushes Ravichandran Ashwin to become the first India bowler to...</a>

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma of India | Image: Associated Press

The Sydney Test-Match is going to be a must win for the Indian Cricket Team and some harsh decisions will have to be taken in regards to playing 11 if the Rohit Sharma-led want to have any chance of retaining the BGT Trophy