India has many concerns regarding the availability of key players with less than a week left for the first Test.
After uncertainty over Shubman Gill’s availability in the first Test against Australia in Perth, another Indian star will miss the opening match. After persistent uncertainty, his exclusion is finally confirmed days before the start of the match, which has been a hard blow for the team.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma will not be available for the first match and has informed the relevant authorities today. Rohit and his wife welcomed their second baby last night and the captain decided to stay with his family during this precious time.
“Yes, Rohit Sharma will not participate in the first Test. “He wants to spend more time with his family and the newborn, and the Indian cricket board completely respects his decision,” an official close to the events told the Times of India.
Rohit did not travel to Perth with other members of the team, who traveled in two groups but continued to practice 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 could be available in the final moments, but now he could play from the second game.
Availability concerns continue to rise in India ahead of first test
India has many concerns regarding the availability of key players with less than a week left for the first Test. Earlier in the day, Shubman Gill suffered a thumb injury and may not feature in the Perth Test.
Meanwhile, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli were sent for tests to scare the team management. While Kohli’s injury was not specified, Rahul suffered a knock on his right elbow while batting in the match simulation, but they could be available for selection on Friday.
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Jasprit Bumrah, who was named vice-captain of the Indian team, will lead in Rohit’s absence. KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran are two options to replace Rohit at the top.
India will need to change some batting positions for the opening match. The first Test against Australia begins on Friday (November 22) in Perth.
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