After losing the Melbourne Test last week, India must win the final Test in Sydney to retain the Border Gavaskar Trophy. There has been a lot of chaos since the previous defeat, and Gautam Gambhir’s press conference has given more speculation than clarity.

India’s playing eleven will be interesting as the team management could take some big call-ups and drop some big names. The change could start from the top, with Rohit Sharma being dropped after Gautam Gambhir’s press conference left everyone speculating, and KL Rahul again taking the top spot.

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill will return to the side and take up the No. 3 spot, followed by Virat Kohli at No. 4. Rishabh Pant’s position has been under scrutiny after disappointing results on the tour, but he should retain his place and take up the position. number 5.

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Nitish Kumar Reddy should get the batting promotion and bat at number 6 after his heroics throughout this tour. Ravindra Jadeja, who has looked good at times, should be India’s number 7 and contribute with both bat and ball.

Washington Sundar will keep his place; Prasidh Krishna to replace Akash Deep

Although India did not use Washington Sundar’s bowling enough in the Melbourne Test, his batting was good enough to keep him in the XI. He scored a brilliant fifty in the first innings and looked good in the second dig, even though wickets continued to fall from the other end.

Akash Deep is out of the fifth Test due to a back strain, which is a big blow for the Indian team. Prasidh Krishna, a bona fide successful seamer, is ideal for the conditions and should come as a substitute.

India also have the option of Harshit Rana, who appeared earlier in the series but did not inspire enough confidence. Therefore, the team could look at alternatives, give Krishna a chance and see what he does.

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will be the other frontline leaders in the XI. With Rohit out of this match, Bumrah will return to the helm and lead the Indian team for the final match in Sydney.

India’s predicted playing XI for the fifth Test against Australia: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah (c )

Australia’s predicted playing XI for the 5th Test against India: Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott boland

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