Rohit Sharma is missing from the team list and the national anthem

Rohit SharmaIndia’s regular Test captain, was nowhere to be found at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) during the playing of the national anthem. Fans were left confused as his name did not appear in the squad list for the crucial fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The incident has since sparked a whirlwind of reactions online.

Bumrah leads as Rohit opts to rest

India’s clash with Australia at the SCG is no ordinary Test. It is a do-or-die game for Team India as they chase a place in the World Test Championship final. Surprisingly, Rohit Sharma decided to sit this one out, handing over the reins to Jasprit Bumrah.

Bumrah, speaking at the toss, exuded confidence. “First we look at the bat. We have played some good cricket recently. The last game was exciting. The grass doesn’t look threatening. We have learned to accept challenges and today we will fight hard.”

The Indian playing XI has undergone two changes. Shubman Gill replaced Rohit Sharma while Prasidh Krishna came in for the injured Akash Deep.

Rohit Sharma’s national anthem quells speculation

While resting players is routine, Rohit’s absence during the national anthem was not. Traditionally, even non-playing team members quit the team. Rohit’s decision to stay out raised eyebrows and quickly became a hot topic on social media.

Noted cricket journalist Bharat Sundaresan opined on this. “Rohit Sharma has not stepped down from the team and his name is out of the list. Maybe a different take on the ‘vacation decision,’” he posted on X.

https://twitter.com/beastieboy07/status/1874960422065119303

Tensions rose further when Rohit’s name did not appear in the team sheet signed by head coach Gautam Gambhir. Dhruva Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal’s names were added in place of Rohit’s. This means that Rohit Sharma will not take part in the SCG Test, even as an extra player.

The cryptic tone of Sundaresan’s remark only fueled speculation. Fans have been debating whether there is more to Rohit’s absence than meets the eye.

For India, this SCG Test is nothing short of critical. The win keeps their hopes alive in the World Test Championship final. However, a defeat or a draw would end their journey.

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