Rohit Sharma to Miss Opening Test Against Australia Due to Family Commitment

Perth, November 10, 2024 - As the cricketing world gears up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-2025, Team India faces a significant change in its lineup for the series opener. Indian captain Rohit Sharma will not be traveling with the team to Australia for the first Test in Perth due to personal reasons, Alayaran.com has learned.

Rohit Sharma's wife, Ritika Sajdeh, is expecting their second child, and the delivery is anticipated in the coming week. Given the circumstances, Sharma has opted to stay back, ensuring he is with his family during this important time. Consequently, star pacer Jasprit Bumrah is poised to lead the Indian side in Sharma's absence for the first match.

The Indian team is scheduled to depart for Australia in two groups, on November 11 and November 12. Initially, it was planned that Sharma would travel with the first batch, but recent developments have altered these plans.

In a press conference following India's series against New Zealand, Sharma had hinted at the uncertainty of his participation, stating, "I am not sure of my availability for the first Test in Perth, Fingers Crossed."

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy holds significant weight for both teams in the context of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025. India, currently second in the WTC standings, faces the challenge of securing a favorable outcome to ensure qualification for the final. After a disappointing series against New Zealand, where they were whitewashed 0-3, India's strategy now pivots towards a more aggressive approach in Australia.

A 3-0 or 3-1 series win would almost guarantee India's place in the WTC final, contingent on England not losing all their Tests against New Zealand. Even a 2-0 series win would require England to win at least one Test against New Zealand. A 3-2 series victory for India would necessitate favorable results from both the England-New Zealand and Australia-Sri Lanka series.

As the cricketing saga unfolds, all eyes will be on Jasprit Bumrah's leadership and the team's performance in Perth, with Rohit Sharma expected to rejoin the squad for the second Test in Adelaide, starting December 6.