There was a certain edginess about the Indian net session on Thursday, the eve of the fifth and final Test in Sydney. The stakes couldn’t be higher. For the first time since 2016-17, India face the prospect of losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India could have come to Sydney with a 1-1 scoreline, but one bad session in Melbourne cost them the fourth Test to make it 2-1 in favour of Australia. This Test, however, is more than just a scoreline. It holds immense significance for the future trajectory of Indian cricket, signalling the beginning of the transition that’s been talked about for months now. The churn is set to begin here in Sydney. Consider these observations from India’s training session: Captain Rohit Sharma did not practice slip catching, even as others did; his brief batting stint was limited to taking throwdowns; head coach Gautam Gambhir didn’t confirm whether Rohit would be in the playing XI despite being specifically asked in the press conference. Even if Rohit plays, which seems unlikely, it could potentially be his last game as India’s Test captain. His likely successor, Jasprit Bumrah, was noticeably proactive at the nets and spent considerable time speaking to Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. India’s only win on this tour so far in Perth came under Bumrah’s leadership, solidifying his position as natural heir to the red-ball captaincy. Another noteworthy observation from the nets was Dhruv Jurel’s extended batting session, closely monitored by the head coach. While there is no indication that Rishabh Pant will be sidelined — he remains integral to the setup — the message for him to be responsible is evident. Though Pant, who batted as well as kept wickets in the nets, is going to be Bumrah’s deputy in the match, keeping Jurel ready, even if as a backup, is significant. The pre-match press conference further added to the intrigue. Traditionally, the captain addresses the media on the eve of the final Test of the series; for Australia, it was Pat Cummins. But for India, it was Gambhir. Asked why Rohit stayed away, Gambhir said, “The head coach is here and that should be enough.” While it appeared to be a straightforward reply, it was clear he was shielding Rohit amid the ongoing uncertainty. It was probably an attempt to prevent things from tumbling out of the dressing room. Yet, Gambhir’s open-ended remarks about Rohit’s selection sent social media into a tizzy“We’re going to have a look at the wicket and finalise it [the XI] tomorrow,” Gambhir said when asked whether Rohit was going to play. On current form, Rohit wouldn’t select Rohit for this Test. Instead, he would also prefer Gill. This selection call is a clear indication that the team always comes first. The thought process behind leaving out the captain is a hint at the future direction of Indian cricket. The transition is here. The baton is set to pass to Bumrah, Pant and Gill. Sydney will witness the start of the process. Gambhir was brought in to oversee this transition. But, is he pushing things a bit too hard? How are the next generation leaders taking it? Will he go down the Anil Kumble route? Can he manage the bruised egos and keep a working relationship? When things don’t go well for a team — especially on tough overseas tours like Australia and England — skeletons tend to tumble out. These are times when you need to keep the flock together and stay focussed. It’s crucial to treat players with respect and dignity to ensure a seamless transition. Seniors who have served the team for years should be made to feel valued, even while phasing them out. While this is easier said than done, Gambhir and the management must navigate this delicate phase carefully for the sake of the team’s unity. For Rohit, it is his moment of reckoning — face reality, accept the decision with grace and take a reasoned call on your future. It is hard. But, that’s how the sport is — unforgiving and raw. A win in Sydney could ease the tensions. Conversely, a defeat could amplify the anxiety and apprehensions. As mentioned earlier, this is far more than just a Test, and much more than the result is at stake. The beginning of the new year couldn’t have been more dramatic.
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