The Indian cricket team finds itself in a tough phase, having secured only one win in their last seven Tests. After a 3-0 series loss at home against New Zealand, India now trails Australia 2-1 in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This poor run has put India’s chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final in jeopardy, forcing them to rely on other results if they fail to win the New Year’s Test in Sydney, starting January 3.
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has spotlighted the immense pressure on India’s leadership, including captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra raised questions about Sharma’s position in the team amidst his struggles.
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“No captain has dropped himself mid-tour so far. Retirement is a personal call, but selection is the selectors’ responsibility. However, since he is the captain for the entire tour, it puts him in a tricky spot. The question is, will Rohit Sharma sit out the Sydney Test in the team’s interest? It would be a fair call if he isn’t contributing, but the bigger question is, will he take that step? If not, will the selectors intervene mid-tour? Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar are under the spotlight,” Aakash Chopra remarked.
India’s final clash against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Sydney Cricket Ground carries significant weight. Australia, aiming to reclaim the trophy for the first time in a decade, will be determined to seal the series. For India, a win would not only level the series but also allow them to retain the trophy, which they have held since 2017.
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The stakes are high as India battles both on-field challenges and off-field scrutiny. A strong performance in Sydney could reignite their hopes for the WTC final and ease the mounting pressure on the team’s leadership. With history, pride, and qualification on the line, the Sydney Test promises to be a captivating encounter.
