New Delhi: Indian Test captain Rohit Sharma has responded over his availability in the first Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, starting on November 22 in Perth. There were reports that Rohit could miss the series opener Down Under because of personal reasons, which the player has communicated with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
After India were whitewashed 3-0 in the home Test series on Sunday at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Rohit was asked about his participation in the first game against Australia. The 37-year-old gave a diplomatic response and hoped he would be available.
“Not sure whether I will be going, fingers crossed,” Rohit said after India’s 25-run loss in the third Test to New Zealand in Mumbai.
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Rohit was named the captain to lead India in the five-match Test series against Australia with senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah being his deputy. In case Rohit won’t feature in the first Test in Perth, Bumrah will take over the captaincy reigns.
Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran could get his opportunity to make his long-awaited India debut as he is named in the squad as a backup for Rohit. Abhimanyu is currently part of the India A squad which started the two unofficial matches with a seven-wicket loss in Mackay.
Rohit to face litmus test in Border-Gavaskar Trophy
India suffered its first Test series defeat at home in 12 years after losing Test matches against New Zealand in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai. New Zealand also became the first visiting team to defeat India 3-0 in a three-match Test series in their own backyard.
A lot of questions are there for Rohit Sharma and the Indian team management to ruminate on and come with a refined strategy to continue their domination in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India will have to win four of the five matches to ensure their qualification in the World Test Championship final. Regardless of Rohit participates in the first Test, the result of the series will have a massive impact on his Test captaincy career.
