[WATCH]- KL Rahul Caught By Sam Konstas Off Starc In The 5th BGT Test

Team India opener KL Rahul was dismissed cheaply on Day 1 of the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday, January 3. The visitors opted to bat first after winning the toss.

With Rohit Sharma resting, Rahul returned to open the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal, having batted at No. 3 in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. The right-hander played a sublime shot, hinting at his impressive form. However, his stay at the crease was short-lived as Mitchell Starc executed a clever plan to remove the in-form batter.

After a few deliveries outside off-stump, Starc switched his line to target the stumps. This time, he bowled a fuller delivery on the leg side. Rahul attempted a flick but played it too early, sending the ball straight to Sam Konstas at square leg, who made no mistake with the catch.

You can watch the video here:

Mis judgement by Kl Rahul #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/llpVZ4Joh5

— $achin Nayak (@SachinN18342436) January 3, 2025

Rahul, one of India’s standout batters in the series, was dismissed for just 4 off 14 balls. India’s leading run-scorer in the series, Yashasvi Jaiswal, followed shortly after, nicking a delivery from Scott Boland. The left-hander managed 10 runs off 26 balls, including a boundary.

Team India rest Rohit Sharma for the Sydney Test, announce two changes

India’s captain Rohit Sharma has decided to sit out the fifth and final Test in Sydney. Notably, his batting form has been underwhelming, with just 31 runs in five innings at an average of 6.20. Shubman Gill, who missed the previous Test, returns to the playing XI.

“Our skipper has opted to rest. It shows the unity we have. We have two changes. Rohit has opted out and Prasidh comes in for the injured Akash Deep,” stand-in captain Bumrah said at the toss (via Hindustan Times).

Pacer Akash Deep was sidelined due to injury, paving the way for Prasidh Krishna to join the playing XI.

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