Rohit Sharma will not be travelling to Australia with the rest of the team ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The India captain will stay back with his wife who is expecting the birth of their second child.
However, there are reports that Rohit might well fly to Australia just before the first Test and join the team in Perth. The first Test starts on the 22nd of November but his availability is still uncertain.
“Yes, Rohit is not travelling with the team, but don’t rule him out of the first Test as yet. He may end up flying to Australia later third week, closer to the first Test,” a source was quoted saying to Times of India.
The Indian cricket team will fly out to Australia in two batches. One already departed on Sunday (November 10) while the other is scheduled to fly out on Monday (November 11).
Gautam Gambhir was not fully sure either of Rohit’s availability and he’s still hopeful. However, he said that there will be clarity only before the start of the series.
“At the moment, there is no confirmation. But we guys will let you know exactly what the situation would be. Hopefully, he is going to be available. But everything you will get to know only before the start of the series,” Gautam Gambhir was quoted saying in the pre-departure press conference.
If Rohit misses the first Test, Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side. The ace India fast bowler has captained in one Test match which was in England in 2022. India lost that Test in Edgbaston as England chased down a record 378 to level the five-match series 2-2.
Easwaran, Rahul in contention to replace Rohit at the top
In Rohit’s absence at the top of the order, India have a few options to choose from. Abhimanyu Easwaran was tipped as the favourite to replace the Indian captain. However, with KL Rahul opening in the second India A match against Australia at the MCG, the latter might well be in contention.
Both Rahul and Easwaran were disappointing in the ‘A’ series recently. Dhruv Jurel was highly impressive, scoring twin fifties in that second game. Hence, he could be in contention. If the team management opt to go in Jurel’s direction and don’t pick either Rahul or Easwaran, Shubman Gill could also be an option as he is someone who has experience of opening in Australia.
“There’s Abhimanyu Easwaran; there’s KL Rahul. So, we will take a call closer to the first Test match if Rohit is not available. There are quite a few options in the squad. So, once it gets closer to the first Test match, we will plan the best playing XI, which is going to do the job for us,” Gambhir further added.
