New Delhi: KL Rahul, the Indian cricketer, gave fans a sneak peek into his chic New Year festivities with wife Athiya Shetty, just ahead of the crucial fifth Test against Australia, set to begin on January 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Rahul posted pictures of the couple celebrating the occasion beneath the sparkling fireworks at the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This break allowed players from both teams to unwind and spend quality time with their families between the Melbourne and Sydney Tests.
With India gearing up for the pivotal SCG Test, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A victory is crucial for India to maintain their chances of securing a spot in the World Test Championship Final against South Africa. KL Rahul, who has shown solid form with the bat during this Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, is a vital player in India’s lineup, particularly given the challenges faced by the top-order batsmen throughout the series.
KL Rahul has accumulated 259 runs in 4 matches during this Test series against Australia, averaging 37.00, making him one of the more reliable performers in India’s top order. The 32-year-old was promoted to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in place of captain Rohit Sharma for the first three Tests, though Rohit returned to the opening role in the Melbourne Test.
On the eve of the New Year’s Test, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hosted both the India and Australia teams on January 1. The Sydney Test is also significant for the observance of ‘Jane McGrath Day’ on Day 3, an initiative aimed at raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research.
Australia currently leads the series 2-1, having gained a strong advantage with a commanding 184-run victory in Melbourne’s fourth Test. The Pat Cummins-led squad has outperformed India in crucial moments, leaving captain Rohit Sharma and his team with immense pressure as they head into Sydney.
A loss or draw at the SCG would see India lose the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which they have held since 2017. With so much on the line, the SCG Test is set to be a fierce contest as India fights to stay competitive in the series and preserve their supremacy in this historic rivalry.
