Team India Captain Rohit Sharma Ruled Out Of 1st IND vs AUS Test In Border Gavaskar Trophy: Reports

Rohit Sharma is set to miss the first Test against Australia in the Border Gavaskar Trophy, scheduled to start on November 22. The Indian captain's status for the 1st Test was doubtful from the outset. However, following the birth of his second child, it was expected that he would make it just on time for the BGT opener. The reports claim otherwise.

Rohit Sharma To Miss Perth Test

As per a striking report fetched by a leading daily, Rohit Sharma will opt out of the Perth Test, as he wishes to spend more time with family in the wake of the birth of his second child with his wife Ritika Sajdeh.  

"Yes, Rohit Sharma will not be featuring in the first Test. He wants to spend some more time with his family and the newborn and the Indian cricket board completely respects his decision." TOI source.

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Jasprit Bumrah Will Take The Captaincy Onus, But Who Will Open?

Should the report prove to be true and Rohit Sharma indeed misses the first Test, then in that case vice captain Jasprit Bumrah will take the captaincy onus. However, the headache does not palliate there. As Rohit Sharma opens the innings for India, the void at the top will be felt, especially when there is a dearth of substitutes. Shubman Gill was touted as the likely replacement, but he too has reportedly sustained a finger injury. Thus, the uncertainty over the opening slot is a real concern.

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What's At Stake?

After enduring a humiliating 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand at home, the precious WTC final slot has seemingly slipped from Team India's hands. Yet, the spot is still in the sights but hard to acquire. For Team India to reach the final of the World Test Championship 2023-25 they would have to pull off an unprecedented victory. To sail through the WTC Final, India would have to beat Australia in Australia by a margin of 4-0 at least in the 5-match series. It has never happened before, but Team India has summoned miracles against Australia in their backyard before and would not be counting out the chances to attain something extraordinary again. Thus, let's await what the BGT 2024/25 has in store.