Rohit Sharma and Ritika Sajdeh have been blessed with a baby boy, their second child after their daughter Samaira. The news came on Friday, November 15, when Rohit stayed in India to attend the delivery, while the rest of the Indian team left for Australia for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Rohit’s availability for the first Test in Perth remains uncertain, although 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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Availability questions at Rohit Sharma
Head coach Gautam Gambhir had earlier addressed the uncertainty over Rohit Sharma’s availability for the first Test against Australia. While expressing hope that Rohit will join the team in time, Gambhir highlighted the backup options available to open the batting if required.
“Obviously, there are [Abhimanyu] Easwaran and there KL [Rahul]. Therefore, we will get 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 batsman makes him a strong candidate. “Rahul can bat at the top of the order, at number 3 or even at number 6. If required, 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, although he has recently moved into a middle-order role.
Jasprit Bumrah, the designated vice-captain, will lead the team if Rohit is not available.
No update on KL Rahul yet
Meanwhile, KL Rahul suffered a right elbow injury during a practice match simulation at the WACA. With no update on the severity of the injury, Indian fans are hoping that Rohit’s early arrival will strengthen the batting line-up.
There is no update on Rahul yet, but if Rohit is unavailable, he is expected to overtake Easwaran as Jaiswal’s opening partner.
India squad for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
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 good start to the series.
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