India's Captainial Crises Ahead of Historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Mumbai: India's star captain Rohit Sharma has created a last-minute headache for the team management ahead of their highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Citing personal reasons, Rohit Sharma will not be traveling with the team to Australia, leaving his participation in the first Test against Australia in Perth in doubt.

In a press conference held on November 11, head coach Gautam Gambhir expressed hope that Rohit would be available for the series opener but reiterated that there was no confirmation yet. "There is no confirmation. We'll let you know. Hopefully he’ll be available. Everything you’ll get to know by the start of the series," Gambhir stated.

When asked about potential replacements for Rohit, who opens the innings alongside KL Rahul or Shubman Gill, Gambhir named Abhimanyu Easwaran and KL Rahul as contenders to fill the opening slot in Perth against Australia. However, he avoided revealing a sure-shot replacement, citing that they wanted to play everyone in the best possible XI closer to the first Test.

The first Test is slated to commence on November 22 at the Perth Stadium, marking a crucial test of India's batting and bowling resolve against Australia's formidable side.

Australia Squad for Perth Test

Pat Cummins (C), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc