BGT 2024-25: Struggling Rohit doubtful starter for Sydney Test

Amid rumours of Rohit Sharma mulling a Test retirement after the completion of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series, India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Thursday refused to clear the uncertainty over the out-of-form skipper's participation for the fifth and final Test, starting Friday at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

- TRIDIB BAPARNASH

Having missed the tour opener in Perth that India won by 295 runs under Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit has since struggled with the bat, managing only 31 runs in the next three Tests at an average of just 6.20, and his side desperately needing a win to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and keep their slim hopes of ICC World Test Championships Final qualification alive.

As a result, Rohit could struggle to find a place in the Playing XI for the final Test, and the speculations gained momentum when Gambhir fronted the pre-match press conference on match eve instead of the customary practice of the captain addressing the media.

With his side trailing 1-2 in the series and the opportunity of extending their hold on the BGT Trophy to a full decade still in the offing if they win in Sydney, the 43-year-old Gambhir remained coy of Rohit's participation at Thursday's presser.