Veteran opener Rohit Sharma has notified the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he will join the Indian squad on Sunday, November 24, Cricbuzz reported. In his absence, star pacer Jasprit Bumrah will lead the national team in IND vs AUS 1st Test, starting November 22 (Friday) onwards at Perth's Optus Stadium.
The Indian team arrived in Australia in three batches between November 9 and 11. Captain Rohit had communicated in advance to the BCCI about his plan to stay behind for the birth of his second child. His wife, Ritika Sajdeh, gave birth to a son on November 15, fueling speculation about the Indian skipper's upcoming arrival to join the Indian team for Australia tour.
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"I spoke with Rohit earlier. But I got a little bit of clarity on leading the side after coming in here," Bumrah told media on eve of IND vs AUS 1st Test in Perth.
Rohit Sharma is now available to lead Team India in second Test of IND vs AUS Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scheduled to take place at Adelaide Oval from December 6-10. The match will be a day-night affair.
India will face Prime Ministers XI in a two-day practice match from November 30 to December 1, ahead of the second Test. Rohit Sharma is expected to take part in this day-night fixture at Canberra's Manuka Oval.
KL Rahul likely to open innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in IND vs AUS Perth Test
In Rohit Sharma's absence, KL Rahul is likely to open the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Rahul's current form is a concern for the national team. He played as an opener in the unofficial Test against Australia A but struggled, scoring just 4 runs in the first innings and 10 in the second.
Rahul's recent form in Tests has been poor, which led to his exclusion from the last two Tests against New Zealand. His record as an opener in Australia is also modest, with 183 runs in seven innings across four matches, averaging 26.14.