IND VS AUS 5th Test : India Still Struggles with Batters even After Omission of Rohit Sharma

Indian cricket is currently navigating turbulent waters, with ongoing controversies surrounding the selection of the playing XI coinciding with underwhelming performances in the fifth and final Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The exclusion of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli has sparked debate, while the team's batting collapse has added fuel to the fire.

The decision to omit Rohit Sharma and other senior players has raised eyebrows across the cricketing world. Officially, Sharma was “rested,” but reports suggest he may have opted out due to form and fitness concerns, reigniting rumors of his impending retirement. Virat Kohli’s inclusion has also come under scrutiny, given his inconsistent form in the series.

KL Rahul’s continued role in the XI has been questioned as well, with critics pointing to his lackluster performances over the past few matches. Adding to the drama are whispers of internal team divisions and discontent under coach Gautam Gambhir’s leadership, reportedly affecting team morale and performance.

In the fifth Test, India's batting woes were on full display. After winning the toss and opting to bat, India reached 107 for four at tea on Day 1, with key players falling cheaply:

• KL Rahul was dismissed early for just 4 runs, extending his poor run of form.
• Yashasvi Jaiswal, the promising young opener, managed only 10 before departing.
• Shubman Gill, despite showing glimpses of his potential, was dismissed for 20.
• Virat Kohli, under immense pressure to deliver, added a mere 17 runs to the tally before being caught off Scott Boland.

With the top order failing, it fell to the middle-order duo of Rishabh Pant (32*) and Ravindra Jadeja (11*) to stabilize the innings, though progress was painstakingly slow against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack.

The absence of Rohit Sharma has added a layer of complexity to India’s leadership dynamics. Jasprit Bumrah has stepped in as captain, but questions remain about the clarity and effectiveness of the team's strategy. The lack of a stable lineup and consistent performances has further intensified the debate around the selection committee’s policies, especially its alleged preference for IPL stars over domestic cricket stalwarts.

Fan and Expert Reactions

The controversies have sparked a storm on social media, with fans and experts alike questioning the direction Indian cricket is headed. Former cricketers, including Sunil Gavaskar, have called for accountability from the selection committee, urging a merit-based approach to team composition.

With the series standing at 2-1 in favor of Australia, this Test is critical for India to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, the team’s current form and internal challenges paint a grim picture. The focus now shifts to whether the middle and lower order can rescue India’s innings and whether the bowling unit can compensate for the batting failures.

The ongoing controversies and struggles in the fifth Test are symptomatic of a larger malaise within Indian cricket. Addressing these issues—ranging from selection policies to team dynamics—is essential for the team to regain its footing on the global stage. As the SCG Test unfolds, all eyes remain on whether India can turn the tide and silence its critics, or if this match will further expose the cracks in the team’s armor.