Rohit Sharma Doubtful For 1st Test Vs Australia: Indian Cricket Team skipper Rohit Sharma is gearing up for the upcoming three-match Test series at home vs New Zealand, before they travel away to Australia for their biggest test of the year — the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
A four-match T20I series is also scheduled to take place away in South Africa between the two series but keeping in mind the prominence of World Test Championship, all the major players are expected to be handed necessary rest.
However, as reported by PTI, the 'Hitman' can miss the first Test match in Perth against Australia.
"India could miss the services of skipper Rohit Sharma during one of the first two Test matches in Australia due to personal reasons which have communicated to the BCCI. There isn't any complete clarity about the situation. It is understood that Rohit has intimated to the BCCI that there is a possibility that due to a pressing personal matter, he might have to skip one of the two Tests at the beginning of the series, a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity. In case, the personal issue is sorted before the start of the series, he might play all five Tests," reported PTI.
Shubman Gill To Open With Yashasvi Jaiswal In Case If Rohit Misses Out On First Test?
Shubman Gill has been India's mainstay at number 3 ever since Cheteshwar Pujara has been sidelined due to poor form. However, his own form has come under huge criticism and saw a sigh of relief when he scored a ton vs England back in March 2024.
However, if Shubman Gill gets promoted as an opener, it leaves a big void at number 3 position. Virat Kohli is the undisputed mainstay at number 4, and if India plans to play an extra seamer and Rishabh Pant in the same side, we might see a promotion up the order for KL Rahul, who currently bats at 5 or 6, depending upon the need of the hour.