After facing a defeat in Melbourne, India are preparing to level the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Sydney and retain the title. The fifth Test of the series will start on January 3, 2025, at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
With only a few hours left for the important clash, there’s a bit of uncertainty over India’s playing XI for the match. This is partly due to the team’s lacklustre performance in the series, especially from the batting department.
And it’s highly likely that we will see the management making a few changes to the squad for the Sydney Test. India are on the verge of losing the series, trailing the hosts by 1-2. So the management will look to field their best possible XI in the must-win Test match.
On that note, here’s how India’s probable playing XI will look for the fifth Test in Sydney against Australia.
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India’s Squad for the 5th Test
Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Tanush Kotian
India Squad Update for the 5th Test
Akash Deep: A stiff back has ruled the right-arm pacer out of India’s fifth Test. So the tall Prasidh Krishna is almost certain to replace Akash Deep in the playing XI. Krishna’s addition may boost India’s pace stock, as he can hit the deck hard.
Rohit Sharma: The Indian captain won’t feature in the Sydney Test as he has opted out of the match. That has opened up the possibility of Shubman Gill getting back into the squad. Jasprit Bumrah is also likely to captain India in Sharma’s absence.
India’s Probable XI for 5th Test vs Australia
Openers: Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul
The duo of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul started the series with a bang, stitching a 201-run opening stand in the Perth Test. They showed a sense of understanding with their partnership and continued to open for the next two games.
But Rohit Sharma returned to open along with Jaiswal in the Melbourne Test. With Sharma now rested for the fifth game, Jaiswal and Rahul will be back at the top.
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Batters: Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel
Sharma’s rest has also meant that Shubman Gill comes back into the mix. He will bat at No. 3, while Virat Kohli will follow him at No. 4.
Apart from the ton in the Perth Test, Kohli has struggled to get runs. He would like to make the most of this last Test and sign off on a positive note.
Despite getting out to a rash shot, Rishabh Pant is likely to keep his place in the XI. Dhruv Jurel is also in contention to solidify India’s batting lineup. He will most likely replace Washington Sundar in the XI.
All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy
The management won’t tinker with their all-rounders, who have thus far delivered performances in the series. Jadeja had got some runs and wickets under his belt, while Reddy slammed his maiden Test hundred in Melbourne.
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
Jasprit Bumrah will be the leader of the pack as usual, while Mohammed Siraj will play second fiddle. Both pacers have commanded India’s quick attack, taking 30 and 16 wickets, respectively.
With Akash Deep out of the squad, Prasidh Krishna is likely to play the fifth Test. The tall right-arm fast bowler has represented India in two matches thus far, taking two wickets.
Read Also:- Australia Test Record at Sydney Cricket Ground
Australia vs India 5th Match Details:
Match: Australia vs India, 5th Match, BGT 2024-25
Date: January 3 – 7, 2025
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Time: 5:00 AM IST
Broadcast: Star Sports
Live Stream: Disney+ Hotstar
You can Check Also:- Where to Watch India vs Australia 5th Test Live Streaming
