India are on the verge of sacking star player in move that will send shockwaves through the cricket world

India captain Rohit Sharma looks on the verge of being dropped for the fifth Test, slipping up in training as coach Gautam Gambhir refused to guarantee his place in the team.

With India needing a win over Australia in Sydney to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rohit did not bat in practice on the match night and did not participate in the fielding practice.

Desperately out of form and without a score above 10 in any of his five innings this series, Rohit’s career now appears to be in jeopardy at the age of 37 and out of Tests for five months.

Indian coach Gambhir confirmed to the media on Thursday that speedy Akash Deep would miss Friday’s Test with a back injury, meaning a guaranteed substitution for Sydney.

But when asked directly whether controversial captain Rohit would play, Gambhir refused to answer directly.

“We will take a look at the wicket and announce our playing XI tomorrow,” Gambhir said.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir (pictured) refused to guarantee his place in the team

Sharma has struggled to score runs in this summer’s series after failing to post a score above 10 while collecting just 31 runs in five innings

When Gambhir was again asked if he could guarantee the opener’s spot, he replied: “The answer remains the same.”

Gambhir’s appearance at the pre-match press conference also raised eyebrows, with each team captain usually representing the media.

However, India broke that tradition earlier this summer when Shubman Gill faced the media the day before the Gabba Test.

Gambhir also spoke in place of Rohit at Wednesday night’s premiere event at Kirribilli House.

“Everything is fine with Rohit, I don’t think it’s anything traditional (for him to speak today),” Gambhir said.

“The head coach is here, that should be good enough.”

Afterwards, Rohit warmed up with teammates but did not take part in the briefs cordon training on Thursday, while Gill spent time playing in Gully after not playing in Melbourne.

Rohit didn’t have a goal alongside the other top players in the nets, but watched while wearing a hoodie and shorts at the back of the nets.

India met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on New Year’s Day, with Sharma mysteriously choosing not to speak at the event

Akash Deep (pictured) will miss Friday’s Test with a back injury, a guaranteed substitution for Sydney

It was only when the bowlers were ready that Rohit got a token hit and faced throw-downs at the end of the Indian session.

If Rohit misses, Gill is expected to come into the XI with Jasprit Bumrah taking charge.

There were also question marks over Rishabh Pant’s place after his two ugly dismissals at the MCG, including the unnecessary pull shot that caused the rot in the second innings.

Indian megastar Kohli is also under pressure; his unbeaten 100 in the second innings in Perth seems like an eternity ago, as he recorded scores of 5, 7, 11, 3, 36 and 5 for the series.

But both trained normally on Thursday.

Gambhir also addressed suggestions he had leveled at India’s players after their final day loss in Melbourne.

According to a report in the Indian Express, Gambhir told the players that he had “had enough” as he was unhappy with them playing their own game instead of for the team.

“They were just reports, that is not the truth,” Gambhir said.

Gambhir (right) has dismissed claims that factions appeared in his squad

“And I don’t think I have to answer reports.

“There were some honest words, and honesty is very important if you want to go further and achieve great things.

“It’s the team-first ideology that matters. It’s a team sport and you have to play what the team expects from you.

‘People can play their natural game, but in a team sport individuals only contribute. If you have to play a certain way, I think that’s what you should do.”