Gambhir refuses to buzz on Rohit Sharma's place in India’s XI for Sydney Test

Rohit Sharma did not attend the pre-match press conference on Thursday, January 2nd (Thursday) for the last and final game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. It prompted the Australian press to suggest that he might not be part of the Sydney Test beginning January 3rd (Friday) at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). 

India head coach Gautam Gambhir added fuel to that speculation, saying India will decide about the playing XI based on their first look at the pitch on Friday, refusing to buzz about the skipper’s place in the side. 

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

“Everything is fine with Rohit, and we will announce that (Playing 11) after seeing the pitch tomorrow. We had just one conversation in our dressing room - how we will win the next test, as it is important for us,” he added, talking about the morale of the team. 

India are 1-2 down in the series, and they must win the Sydney Test to keep themselves in the hunt for a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.