With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy just a week away, the uncertainty surrounding Rohit Sharma’s availability for the opening Test continues to linger. The Indian captain is expected to miss the first match in Perth, starting November 22, due to the birth of his second child. However, neither Rohit nor head coach Gautam Gambhir have provided a definitive answer, leaving the team in a state of limbo.
Former India player Mohammad Kaif has expressed his concern over this situation, stating that it is not ideal for the team in such a crucial series. India needs to win the five-match Test series 4-0 to qualify for the World Test Championship final without relying on external factors. A poor result in Australia could jeopardize their chances of reaching the summit clash.
“This scenario is completely wrong. You want your best team to play such a big Test match. Rohit Sharma should be there. He will open for India in the series and exactly knows how to lead the team. Rohit has every right to miss a game due to family matter but he should inform early. The suspense is not ideal,” said Kaif in a video on his YouTube channel.
Kaif believes that Rohit’s hesitation to confirm his availability stems from his desire to play. He knows that the team lost 3-0 to New Zealand in their previous Test series and is eager to make amends. “Rohit might not have given confirmation about his availability because he wants to play. He knows the team has lost 3-0 to New Zealand. His wife is pregnant but if things are better at home, he will be there in Australia. That is why he has not announced about his unavailability yet. I think he wholeheartedly wants to go there and play,” he added.
Earlier this week, Gambhir stated that vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side if Rohit is unavailable. However, Kaif believes that this is not an ideal solution. “No player agrees to captain a side for one game. It is not a good idea as well. It would be much better if Rohit leads India in the opening game,” he said.
The uncertainty surrounding Rohit’s availability has created a sense of unease within the Indian team. With such a crucial series on the horizon, they need clarity and stability in their leadership. The sooner Rohit makes a decision, the better it will be for the team’s preparation and morale.
