Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma emphasized that leadership in the team must be earned, citing the examples of MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Speaking to Star Sports, Rohit stated, "Kisi ne humko plate pe saja ke nahi dia" (nobody served us captaincy on a plate). He stressed that the next generation must work hard and understand cricket's significance before assuming leadership. Rohit dismissed retirement rumors, attributing his absence in the Sydney Test to poor form. He praised Jasprit Bumrah's leadership qualities, calling him "class" and commending his evolution over the years. "It’s an honor to captain India," Rohit added.

Rishabh Pant blasted his second-fastest Test half-century off 29 balls in a scintillating reply to critics Sunil Gavaskar and Gautam Gambhir during India's Border-Gavaskar Trophy finale against Australia in Sydney. Pant's fiery 33-ball 61, including four sixes, helped India stay in the contest after the fall of Virat Kohli. The wicketkeeper-batter's aggressive approach with boundaries off Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland showcased his attacking intent. Pant’s knock was a display of resilience on a difficult pitch, earning him a standing ovation. India closed Day 2 at 141-6, trailing Australia's 181 in the rain-affected Test.

Jasprit Bumrah, India's stand-in captain, was taken to a hospital in Sydney for scans after experiencing discomfort during Day 2 of the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test. Bumrah bowled one over post-lunch before leaving the field. Virat Kohli assumed captaincy duties, leading India to bowl out Australia for 181, securing a 4-run first-innings lead. Bumrah's absence, owing to a suspected back injury, poses a critical challenge for India, especially as he broke Bishan Singh Bedi’s 1977-78 record with 32 wickets this series. Young bowlers Prasidh Krishna and Nitish Kuma Reddy delivered vital breakthroughs in Bumrah’s absence, keeping India in contention.

India gained a slender 4-run lead against Australia on Day 2 of the 5th Test in Sydney. Jasprit Bumrah’s injury didn’t deter India, as Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna grabbed 3 wickets each, restricting Australia to 181. Debutant Beau Webster’s 57 and Steve Smith’s 33 were Australia’s highlights. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul dominated the Australian bowlers in India’s second innings, adding vital runs with boundaries. With India’s batters building momentum, the game’s balance hangs on their ability to capitalize on this early advantage.

India vs Australia, 5th Test Day 1: India was bowled out for 185 after electing to bat at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Rishabh Pant top-scored with 40 runs off 98 balls, while Scott Boland claimed 4/31 for Australia. Despite a resilient middle-order effort, India lost six wickets for 78 runs in the final session. Australia ended the day at 9/1, with Jasprit Bumrah dismissing Usman Khawaja on the last ball of the day. Bumrah also clashed with debutant Sam Konstas, who remained unbeaten on 7. India leads by 176 runs as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series finale unfolds.

India enters the Sydney Test with mounting pressure in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, trailing 1-2 against Australia. Rohit Sharma's potential absence could mark the end of his Test career, while Jasprit Bumrah may take the reins as captain. Dressing room controversies, Gautam Gambhir’s alleged criticism, and Ravi Ashwin’s retirement have added to the chaos. Bumrah’s stellar form offers hope as India aims to secure a World Test Championship final spot. The SCG pitch, favoring spinners, and predicted rain may influence outcomes. India has only one Test win in Sydney since 1978, making this a challenging yet crucial encounter.

Rohit Sharma, 37, has opted out of the fifth Test against Australia, citing the need for rest. Jasprit Bumrah will lead India in the crucial Sydney match, aiming to level the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rohit informed head coach Gautam Gambhir and selector Ajit Agarkar of his decision. Shubman Gill is set to return at No. 3, while Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul retain their opening roles. Rohit’s form has been under scrutiny, with just 31 runs in three Tests this series. If this marks his Test exit, Rohit finishes with 4,301 runs in 67 matches, averaging 40.57.

Rohit Sharma, India's cricket team captain, will be rested for the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney, sources say. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team in his place. Rohit has struggled in the series, scoring only 31 runs in three matches. He also missed the first Test to stay with his family after the birth of his second child. Head coach Gautam Gambhir said the final playing XI would be announced after reviewing the pitch. India, trailing 1-2 in the series, must win the Test to keep their World Test Championship hopes alive.

Double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker, world chess champion D Gukesh, Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and Paralympian Praveen Kumar will be conferred with the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award on January 17. Bhaker’s initial exclusion from the nominees list sparked controversy, later resolved by the Sports Ministry. Bhaker expressed gratitude, reiterating her focus on achieving more for India. Gukesh earned the honor for becoming the youngest world chess champion. Harmanpreet led India to an Olympic hockey bronze, while Praveen claimed gold in high jump T64 at the Paris Olympics. The awards will be presented at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.

Rohit Sharma’s tenure as India’s Test captain is reportedly under review amid poor performances in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With India facing a must-win fifth Test in Sydney, tensions in the dressing room have escalated. Reports suggest Rohit may not feature in India’s Test plans after the series, though no immediate retirement announcement is expected. Virat Kohli, seen actively guiding the team during the series, is a strong contender to reclaim the captaincy. Additionally, concerns over Gautam Gambhir’s coaching approach and the handling of Ravichandran Ashwin’s sudden retirement have prompted the BCCI to plan a post-tour performance review.