Cricket Don't miss out on the headlines from Cricket. Followed categories will be added to My News. Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s SCG Test withdrawal has taken several dramatic turns after it was first reported he will not play the fifth Border Gavaskar Trophy Test.
Reports first emerged on Thursday Sharma had been “rested” for the blockbuster series decider after a miserable series where his pitiful batting has broken unwanted records. However, the script flipped again hours later with reports emerging it was Rohit himself that made the decision to stand down. The Indian Express reported the night before the Test that Rohit told his coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar of his decision not to play following a final training session at the SCG ahead of the fifth Test, which begins on Friday morning.
Watch every ball of Australia v India LIVE & ad-break free during play in 4K on Kayo | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. Another rumour exploded overnight with a report from Indian media that Gambhir was pressured into selecting Rohit for the New Year’s Test.
The Press Trust of India reported on Thursday night the decision was actually made by Gambhir. The outlet reports Gambhir also faced pressure from senior Indian cricket powerbrokers to give Rohit one final chance. According to the PTI, Gambhir was approached by “an influential cricket administrator, who commands a lot of respect in the BCCI” to stick with Rohi.
