Indian captain Rohit Sharma is likely to miss the first test against Australia in Perth.

Indian Skipper Rohit Sharma Doubtful for Perth Test Against Australia

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Omkar Devadkar

Last Updated: 2024-11-18 07:39:59

Summary: After the birth of his baby boy, Rohit Sharma wants to spend more time with his family.

Following the birth of their second child earlier this week, India captain Rohit Sharma told the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) that he wanted more time with his wife. Hence, he will not be playing in the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test IND vs. AUS in Perth this Friday.

In Rohit's absence, the team's vice-captain and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will take over the captaincy.

It's still unknown when the Indian captain will return. The best-case scenario right now is for Rohit to join the team in the middle of the first Test match. Rohit can also join the Indian team in Adelaide, where the Pink Ball Test match would be played if he is unable to attend the Perth Test.

The selectors instructed Devdutt Paddikal, who was on tour with the India A team, to remain in Australia due to Rohit's absence. Paddikal will be included in the 18-man roster for the opening Test match at Perth's Opus Stadium as a substitute for Rohit Sharma.

A BCCI official said, “We were hoping that he (Rohit) would travel but he has informed the BCCI that he can’t go now as he needs some more time. He will be flying to Australia for the pink-ball Test match, the second match, in Adelaide. There is a nine-day gap between the first and second Test matches, so Rohit will be able to be there on time.”

With Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill out of the lineup for the first Test match in Perth, which begins on November 22, India has a selection dilemma. Shubman has a fractured thumb, and Sharma is currently on paternity leave.

The wicketkeeper, Dhruv Jurel, might get a chance to bat in Rohit's absence. In a tour match against Australia A, Jurel appeared to be the most confident batsman at the crease, scoring 80 and 64.