The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 continues as India and Australia clash in the final encounter of the five-match Test series. With Team India trailing 1-2, the thrilling showdown is set for January 3 at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), commencing at 5 AM Indian time.
Gautam Gambhir's Advice to Players
On the eve of the Sydney Test, Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, engaged with the press, shedding light on the possible tensions within the ranks. Gambhir emphasized the importance of keeping 'debates' in the dressing room private and encouraged players to communicate 'honestly', as consistent performance is key for retaining their place in the team. Amidst reports of discord, Gambhir asserted that these are merely speculations, not facts.
Gautam Gambhir assured, 'As long as honesty prevails in the dressing room, Indian cricket is in safe hands. Performance is the sole factor for staying on the team. Disagreements between the coach and players should stay within the dressing room. Any conversation in the dressing room should remain confidential.'
Gambhir added, 'Everything is fine, we'll assess the pitch tomorrow and announce the final eleven. Honesty is essential in the dressing room. It's a team game, and everyone recognizes that. These are simply reports, not the truth. I have no need to comment on any reports. Honesty is paramount, we aim to move forward and achieve greatness.'
Gambhir further mentioned discussions with senior batsman Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma focused solely on strategies for winning Test matches. He expressed, 'Every player knows where improvements are needed. Our singular focus with them has been how to win Test matches.'
Source: aajtak
Could Rohit be Out of the Playing XI?
Gautam Gambhir faced inquiries about Rohit Sharma's participation, to which he said, 'We'll finalize the playing eleven at the toss after examining the pitch tomorrow.'
Addressing Rohit's absence from the conference, Gambhir remarked, 'I don't perceive it as unusual. Having the head coach here is appropriate and commendable.'
India faced a setback ahead of the Sydney Test, with fast bowler Aakash Deep ruled out due to back discomfort. However, no replacement has been named yet.
Gambhir commented on Aakash Deep's condition, affirming, 'He's excluded because of back problems. The final eleven will be decided after assessing the pitch. The 28-year-old bowled a cumulative 87.5 overs across two Test matches, and his issues may stem from workload. Despite delivering standout performances in Brisbane and Melbourne, and claiming five wickets, dropped catches plagued his spells. Either Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna might replace him in the final playing eleven.'
Australia’s Playing XI for Sydney Test:
Sam Constas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
India’s Squad:
Rohit Sharma (captain), Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Tanush Kotian.
