New Delhi: The Indian captain Rohit Sharma is likely to miss the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. As per the reports, Rohit has already conveyed to the chief selector and top official of the BCCI that he will not participate in the first Test match, starting November 22 at the Perth Stadium.
According to PTI, Rohit might have to skip “one of the two Tests at the beginning of the series” due to a personal reason. The BCCI source also said that if the personal issue is sorted before the Australia series then Rohit might play all the matches.
“In case, the personal issue is sorted before the start of the series, he might play all five Tests. We will get to know more in coming days” PTI quoted a source within the BCCI as saying.
If Rohit misses the opening Test, there is still no clarity on who will captain the team in his absence as India didn’t have a vice-captain in the recently concluded Bangladesh series. Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul have led the side in Rohit’s absence in the recent past.
Who will open for Team India in Rohit’s absence?
There are many contenders available to open the batting for Team India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy along with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Abhimanyu Easwaran could be called up as cover for the Indian captain. He has done well in first-class cricket and scored 7506 runs in 98 matches at an average of 49.38 including 26 centuries and 29 fifties.
Ruturaj Gaikwad can also open the batting with Jaiswal. The CSK skipper has consistently performed in first-class cricket for Maharashtra. He has scored more than 2000 runs in 29 matches at an average of 43.42, including six hundreds and 10 fifties. Shubman Gill and KL Rahul also opened the batting for the team in the past.
The Men in Blue are looking to qualify for their consecutive World Test Championship (WTC) final after losing to New Zealand and Australia in 2021 and 2023.
As per the reports, Team India captain Rohit Sharma could miss the opening Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to a personal reason. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
