Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma may retire from Test cricket after the five-match series against Australia, as per Times of India. The BCCI and selectors reportedly discussed his decision, which could see an official announcement after the final Test in Sydney. If India qualifies for the World Test Championship Final, Rohit might request an extension. Struggling with form, he has scored only 31 runs in six innings, leading to mounting retirement calls. Rohit acknowledged feeling "disturbed" and expressed disappointment with his performance, saying, "Things aren't falling into place." His future as a Test cricketer remains uncertain.

Australian skipper Pat Cummins expressed his frustration with ultra-edge technology after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s contentious dismissal in the fourth Test. Despite Jaiswal’s 84-run knock being cut short, Cummins was confident the batter had edged the ball, stating, “Oh look, I think it was just clear that he hit it. We heard a noise, saw a deviation, so it was absolutely certain that he hit it.” However, he criticized the technology, saying, “Ultra-edge… I don't think anyone has complete confidence in it.” The decision, which came after a review, sparked debate, but Cummins stood by the umpire’s call.

Indian cricket gears up for a pivotal 2025 with major challenges and transitions. The men’s team eyes the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai and possibly the WTC final, but senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli face scrutiny over form. Jasprit Bumrah emerges as a potential Test captain, while Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer vie for ODI leadership. The women’s team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, targets an ICC title as India hosts the ODI World Cup. With Gautam Gambhir’s coaching under review, 2025 marks a defining year for both men's and women's cricket teams.

India lost the MCG Test to Australia by 184 runs, conceding the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as the hosts secured a 2-1 series lead. Yashasvi Jaiswal's controversial dismissal on Day 5 sparked debate, with BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla criticizing third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat for overruling the on-field decision without conclusive evidence. Jaiswal, who scored a valiant 84 off 208 balls, fell in the 71st over when a Snicko review suggested no contact with his gloves, yet the umpire ruled him out. The decision proved pivotal as India's hopes crumbled. The fifth Test begins on January 3 in Sydney.

The India-Australia fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) set a new attendance milestone for Test matches in Australia, with over 350,700 fans attending across five days. This surpasses the previous record set in 1937. Daily turnout peaked at 87,242 on the first day and remained strong, with over 51,000 attending the fifth day’s first session alone. The Melbourne Cricket Club underestimated the final day’s numbers, causing delays as only one gate was opened. This follows India’s remarkable fan turnout during the 2022 T20 World Cup at the same venue, solidifying the ground’s place in cricket history.

Magnus Carlsen, world’s top chess player, will rejoin the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships after the International Chess Federation (FIDE) relaxed its dress code. The Norwegian grandmaster quit the tournament in New York when informed his jeans violated regulations. FIDE now permits “elegant minor deviations” like jeans paired with a blazer. Carlsen, 34, confirmed his return and his intent to wear jeans. Known for his maverick nature, Carlsen’s actions highlight ongoing debates over tradition in chess. Previously, he faced controversy over allegations of cheating against a rival, which were settled in 2023.

India’s captain Rohit Sharma admitted to struggling with his batting and leadership in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India lost the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne by 184 runs, sparking questions about Rohit’s Test future. He dismissed retirement rumours but acknowledged, “As a captain and batter, it’s disappointing when things don’t work.” India is now trailing 1-2 in the series. Rohit remains hopeful of a win in the final Sydney Test, saying, “A 2-2 draw will be nice.” India must win the match starting January 3 to retain the trophy and improve their World Test Championship final chances.

Australia defeated India by 184 runs in the 4th Test in Melbourne, securing a 2-1 series lead. Chasing 340, India crumbled to 155 all out. Pat Cummins starred with a double blow in the opening session, dismissing Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. Virat Kohli fell before lunch, leaving India at 33/3. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s gritty 84 ended controversially after a DRS call. Despite a 88-run stand between Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, Australia triggered a collapse in the final session. Earlier, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland added crucial runs before Jasprit Bumrah wrapped up Australia’s innings at 234.

India's chase of 340 in the 4th Test against Australia is in jeopardy as Yashasvi Jaiswal's long innings was cut short controversially. Jaiswal, who scored 84 off 208 balls, was given out after a hook shot, despite no spike on the snickometer. Earlier, Rishabh Pant’s resistance ended with a reckless shot, and India’s tail has now been exposed. After a quick collapse post-Tea, Australia remains close to victory. India’s chase, already difficult, is further complicated by three quick wickets falling before Lunch. Australia set India a tough target, and the game is nearing its climax.

India ended Tea on Day 5 at 112/3, chasing 340 runs against Australia in the 4th Test at the MCG. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a resilient half-century, partnering with Rishabh Pant to stabilize the innings after India faced early setbacks. Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli fell cheaply, with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc dismantling the top order. Cummins dismissed Rohit and Rahul in the same over, while Starc claimed Kohli’s wicket with a tempting delivery. The required run rate has climbed to 5.50 per over, leaving India in a challenging position for the final session.