India’s Test captain Rohit Sharma is expected to miss the opening match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth due to personal reasons. Speculation suggests that Sharma’s absence stems from the impending birth of his second child.
Former Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has advocated for Sharma to return as a player only if he misses the first Test and rejoins the squad later in the series. Gavaskar believes that vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah should lead the team throughout the series.
However, former Australian captain Aaron Finch disagrees with Gavaskar’s stance. Finch believes that Sharma should retain his captaincy even if he misses the first or second Test due to family commitments. He emphasized the importance of supporting players during such significant life events.
In the previous tour of Australia, then-captain Virat Kohli took paternity leave after the first Test in Adelaide. Ajinkya Rahane led the team to a remarkable turnaround, winning the series 2-1.
India’s goal in this series is to win four Tests to secure a direct berth in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June 2025. The team’s performance in Australia will be crucial in determining their chances of reaching the final.
