Rohit Sharma and Ritika Sajdeh have been blessed with a baby boy, their second child after daughter Samaira. The news came on Friday, November 15, with Rohit staying back in India for the birth while the rest of India’s squad left for Australia for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Rohit’s availability for the first Test in Perth remains uncertain, though he may join the team before the series begins. His presence is considered crucial given his experience in Australian conditions, having scored 408 runs in seven Tests at an average of 31.38, including three half-centuries.
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Head coach Gautam Gambhir had earlier addressed the uncertainty around Rohit Sharma’s availability for the first Test against Australia. While expressing hope that Rohit will join the squad in time, Gambhir highlighted the backup options available to open the batting if needed.
“Obviously, there is [Abhimanyu] Easwaran and there is KL [Rahul]. So, we will take a call closer to the first Test match if Rohit is not available,” Gambhir said at a press conference in Mumbai.
Gambhir noted that KL Rahul’s versatility as a batter makes him a strong candidate. “Rahul can bat at the top of the order, at No. 3, or even at No. 6. If need be, he can do the job for us, especially if Rohit is not available,” Gambhir said.
Shubman Gill, who opened during India’s previous tour to Australia, is another option, though he has transitioned to a middle-order role recently.
Jasprit Bumrah, the designated vice-captain, will lead the side if Rohit is unavailable.
Meanwhile, KL Rahul suffered a right elbow injury during a practice match simulation at the WACA. With no updates on the severity of the injury, Indian fans will hope for Rohit’s early arrival to bolster the batting line-up.
There is no update on Rahul yet, but should Rohit not be available, he is expected to pip Easwaran as Jaiswal’s opening partner.
Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar.
The first Test is scheduled to begin in Perth, with India aiming for a strong start to the series.
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