Ahead of the fifth and final Test between India and Australia, the focus in completely on Rohit Sharma.

Rohit Sharma is set to be a headline absentee from India's playing XI for the fifth Test.

When asked if Rohit Sharma, the designated India captain, will play in Sydney or not, coach Gautam Gambhir gave a strange reply

Rohit Sharma has come under fierce criticism for his recent poor form with the bat, while his leadership has also come under heavy scrutiny in the aftermath of India's home Test series loss to New Zealand.

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma is likely to be rested for the fifth Test encounter against Australia starting Thursday in Sydney, according to sources.

There were already enough indications but the developments on Thursday made one thing as clear - Rohit Sharma is no longer in coach Gautam Gambhir's scheme of things