SYDNEY: India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, remained tight-lipped about whether skipper Rohit Sharma would feature in the crucial fifth Test against Australia, which is set to begin on Friday.
However, Gambhir expressed his unwavering confidence in the team's ability to secure a victory despite the mounting pressure.
Rohit, who struggled throughout the series with a series of low scores, was conspicuously absent from the pre-match press conference, further fuelling speculation about his spot in the playing XI.
The opening batsman has yet to score in double digits across five innings in Australia, with many questioning whether his position at the helm is under threat.
When pressed about Rohit's availability, Gambhir responded cryptically: "Everything is fine with Rohit, and I don't think it’s anything traditional," he said when asked why Rohit was absent from the usual media duties.
"The head coach is here, and that should be good enough. We are going to have a look at the wicket and finalise (the team) tomorrow."
When asked again if Rohit would be part of the team, Gambhir replied, "The answer is still the same."
India's lineup is set to see at least one change after the crushing 184-run defeat in Melbourne, with pace bowler Akash Deep ruled out due to a back injury.
Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna are the likely candidates to replace him in the team for the pivotal Test.
In addition to Rohit's struggles, star batsman Virat Kohli is also under intense scrutiny.
Despite his century in Perth, Kohli has had difficulty finding form and has failed to register significant scores in recent innings.
Meanwhile, emerging talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy have been impressive.
"It is not about phasing out senior players or getting the youngsters in," he said.
"Ultimately the only thing that can keep you in that dressing room is performance," he added.
With the series poised at 2-1 in favour of Australia, India must win in Sydney to retain the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Gambhir, however, was resolute in his belief that his side possesses the skill and character to bounce back.
"Extremely confident," he said. "We know we have the skill sets, the individuals, we´ve got everything in that dressing room that can win a Test match here.
"Not only here, but will probably go on to do some unbelievable things in the future as well."
- Gautam Gambhir
- Rohit Sharma