India have plenty of concerns regarding the availability of key players with less than a week remaining in the first Test.
After uncertainty around Shubman Gill’s availability in the first Test against Australia in Perth, another Indian star is set to miss the initial game. After lingering uncertainty, his exclusion is now finally confirmed days before the start of the fixture, which has come as a massive blow to the team.
The Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, won’t be available for the first encounter and has communicated the same to the relevant authorities today. Rohit and his wife welcomed their second baby last night, and the skipper has decided to stay with his family during this precious time.
“Yes, Rohit Sharma will not be featuring in the first Test. He wants to spend some more time with his family and the new-born and the Indian cricket board completely respects his decision,” says an official close to developments to Times of India.
Rohit didn’t travel to Perth with other team members, who travelled in two batches but continued practising in Mumbai, using the facilities of Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) and Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) for batting and gym sessions. There were speculations that Rohit might make himself available in the end moments, but he might now play from the second game onwards.
India have plenty of concerns regarding the availability of key players with less than a week remaining in the first Test. Earlier in the day, Shubman Gill sustained an injury on his thumb and might not feature in the Perth Test.
Meanwhile, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli were sent for scans to give a scare to the team management. While Kohli’s injury was unspecified, Rahul sustained a blow on his right elbow while batting in the match simulation, but they might be available for selection come Friday.
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Jasprit Bumrah, who was named the vice-captain of the Indian team, will lead in Rohit’s absence. KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran are two options for replacing Rohit at the top.
India will need to shuffle a few batting positions for the opening match. The first Test against Australia starts on Friday (November 22) in Perth.
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