IND vs AUS: All is not well between Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir? Captain, coach avoid each other during practice

Rohit Sharma made the decision to opt out of the 5th and final Test against Australia.
Gautam Gambhir’s decision to withhold confirmation of Rohit Sharma’s place in the Sydney Test playing XI during the pre-match press conference served as a significant indicator of the challenges facing the Indian skipper. Numerous reports suggesting that Rohit was being ‘rested’ (a euphemism for his exclusion) essentially confirmed the team management’s bold decision. The latest development, which revealed that the India skipper and the head coach deliberately avoided each other in the SCG nets prior to the crucial match, solidified Rohit’s omission from the series finale.
As per a report from PTI, Rohit and Gambhir refrained from engaging in any conversation throughout the match eve. They actively avoided each other and positioned themselves on opposite sides of the ground. The presence of two chairs at the press conference initially hinted at a joint appearance, but to the disappointment of the media personnel, Gambhir emerged alone to address the press.
“It was around half past one when Gautam Gambhir walked towards the centre strip at the Sydney Cricket Ground with Jasprit Bumrah in tow. A few minutes later, Rohit Sharma also joined the duo in the middle but there was hardly any communication between the head coach and the designated captain,” according to PTI.
According to witnesses, there was a significant breakdown in communication between Rohit and Gambhir, indicating that Rohit may no longer be part of the coach’s plans. With only one half-century in eight Tests this season, it is likely that Rohit has reached the end of his Test career. The report also states that Rohit sought solace in conversations with vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah and chairman of the BCCI selection committee Ajit Agarkar.
Rohit Sharma, who has only managed to score 31 runs in 3 Tests at a disappointing average of 6.20, appeared disoriented during practice in the nets after arriving 35 minutes late and without his cricket kit.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma made the decision to opt out of the 5th and final Test against Australia. Stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah chose to bat first at SCG on Friday, leading to India making two changes in the team lineup. Shubman Gill replaced Rohit Sharma, while Prasidh Krishan took the place of the injured Akash Deep.
Also read| IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma opts out as Jasprit Bumrah named captain for Sydney Test; Shubman Gill, Prasidh Krishna return