Rohit Sharma Likely to Join Border-Gavaskar Trophy Midway Through First Test
India’s skipper Rohit Sharma is set to miss the start of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25, with reports indicating that he will arrive in Australia during the Perth Test. This absence is attributed to personal commitments, as he remains in India for the birth of his second child. Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not issued an official statement, sources suggest Rohit is expected to reach Perth on November 24, the third day of the opening Test.
In his absence, Jasprit Bumrah will take over the captaincy responsibilities. He has already been seen representing India during the pre-series activities, including a press conference alongside Australian skipper Pat Cummins. Bumrah’s leadership in the fast-paced conditions of Perth will be crucial, especially with Australia’s seamers historically thriving at the venue.
This scenario isn’t unfamiliar territory for Rohit, who had also missed the initial two Tests during India’s 2020/21 tour of Australia due to rehabilitation for a hamstring injury. Upon returning then, he opened the innings and registered scores of 26, 52, 44, and 7. India will be hoping for a similar impactful return this time, especially with their batting lineup facing a few challenges.
India’s first-choice No.3 batter, Shubman Gill, is doubtful for the Perth Test after sustaining a thumb injury. To address this, Devdutt Padikkal has been added to the squad, a move indicating that Gill might not recover in time. This reshuffle comes as India looks to solidify their top order against a formidable Australian bowling attack. While Abhimanyu Easwaran remains the official backup opener, reports suggest KL Rahul could be preferred to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, offering a more experienced option.
The first Test, scheduled to end on November 26, will be followed by a tour match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra starting November 30. This match serves as an opportunity for Rohit to acclimatize to Australian conditions before the second Test, commencing on December 6. With sufficient time for preparation, the Indian skipper is expected to regain his rhythm and contribute significantly as the series progresses.
India’s squad for the series includes a mix of experience and young talent, aiming for their fifth consecutive Test series win against Australia. The inclusion of Padikkal highlights the team’s intent to strengthen their batting depth, given the challenging conditions they are set to face. At Perth’s Optus Stadium, where pace and bounce favor the bowlers, India’s batters will need to adapt quickly to counter Australia’s formidable pace trio.
Australia, known for their dominance at home, will be keen to capitalize on India’s transitional phase. With players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood leading the attack, the hosts have a potent arsenal to trouble Indian batters. However, India’s resilience in previous tours, including the iconic 2020/21 series win, serves as a reminder that they cannot be underestimated.
The absence of key players, including uncertainties around Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma’s delayed arrival, poses challenges for India. However, Bumrah’s captaincy, coupled with a promising lineup, offers hope. Young talents like Jaiswal and Padikkal will also see this as a golden opportunity to prove their mettle on the international stage.
As the series kicks off, all eyes will be on Bumrah and his team to see how they handle the pressure in the early stages. The battle between India’s adaptability and Australia’s consistency will set the tone for the remainder of the series. Fans can anticipate high-intensity cricket, with both sides determined to make a statement in this iconic rivalry.