India vs Australia, 5th Test, Sydney: Only one day is left in the final match of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between India and Australia. The last match of the tournament will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on January 3. Ahead of this crucial match, two major updates are coming from Team India. According to media reports, Akash Deep sustained an injury just before the final Test match.
In addition to Akash, there is troubling news surrounding Rishabh Pant, who had been dismissed after playing an irresponsible shot in the previous match. Reports indicate that the team management is unhappy with his consistent careless shots, and discussions are underway to potentially replace him with Dhruv Jurel for the final match.
Akash Deep Likely to Miss Final Match
According to Indian Express reports, fast bowler Akash Deep is suffering from back pain, which is why he has been dropped from the final match of the series. It is surprising that despite bowling a total of 43 overs in the Melbourne Test, Deep only managed to take two wickets. Experts feel he bowled well but failed to achieve significant success.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Akash Deep likely to miss Sydney Test, deliberation over Rishabh Pant
✍️ @pdevendra https://t.co/OTThB15A6H
— Express Sports (@IExpressSports) January 2, 2025
Harshit Rana Could Replace Akash Deep
With Akash Deep’s injury, there are strong indications that Harshit Rana may get another opportunity in the playing eleven. The young fast bowler grabbed attention during his debut by bowling quickly. Though he didn’t manage to take many wickets, his return to the team is now a strong possibility due to Deep’s injury.
Prasidh Krishna May Replace Washington Sundar or Ravindra Jadeja
Sydney Cricket Ground is known for having fewer turns, so reports suggest the team management is considering including Prasidh Krishna as the fourth fast bowler in place of either Washington Sundar or Ravindra Jadeja.
Rishabh Pant is set to be dropped in Sydney Test as team management want to teach him a lesson for playing irresponsible shots consistently and failing badly in whole BGT!!
Dhruv Jurel to keep wickets in 5th test.
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) December 31, 2024
Pant’s Careless Shot Could Lead to Dhruv Jurel’s Inclusion
Rishabh Pant faced criticism for his careless shot selection in the Melbourne Test (IND vs AUS), which led to his dismissal in a critical situation. Head coach Gautam Gambhir expressed disappointment, questioning why Pant played such an irresponsible shot when the team was in a tough spot.
Sunil Gavaskar on Rishabh Pant – “Stupid, stupid, stupid!” 😯😱 #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/s2U5lHggxQ
— SIDRA IMRAN (@SIDRAIM42094220) December 28, 2024
Moreover, reports indicate that Pant may be excluded from the next match, and Dhruv Jurel could be given a chance. Jurel, who toured Australia with the Indian A team, impressed with a patient 90-run knock against England in the Ranchi Test, making him a strong contender for the final match.