Rohit Sharma Ruled Out IND vs AUS Perth Test: Team India is currently gearing up for five-match India vs Australia Test series, starting from Friday (November 22) onwards in Perth's Optus Stadium.
Meanwhile, in what comes as a major setback for the Indian cricket team ahead of IND vs AUS 1st Test, senior opener Rohit Sharma, who recently became a father for the second time, will miss the series opener in Perth. With Rohit's absence confirmed, the focus shifts to who will step in to captain Team India for India vs Australia Perth Test match.
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According to an ESPNCricinfo report, Rohit Sharma will be available for the second Test, which is a day-night match starting on December 6 in Adelaide. With Jasprit Bumrah appointed vice-captain for IND vs AUS Border-Gavaskar Test series, he will most likely step in to captain Team India for IND vs AUS 1st Test in Perth.
Rohit Sharma had informed Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in advance that he might miss the first Test.
Devdutt Padikkal, who was part of India A squad during Rohit's absence, has reportedly been asked to remain in Australia. Padikkal will replace Rohit in the 18-member squad for the opening Test in Perth's Optus Stadium.
Rohit had kept the option of last-minute travel open, depending on the birth of his child. He and his wife, Ritika, were blessed with a baby boy on Friday, seven days before IND vs AUS Perth Test, which raised possibility of the veteran opener traveling to Perth.
As per the report in ESPNCricinfo, Rohit has now informed BCCI that he will miss the first Test. Instead, he will take part in the two-day pink-ball warm-up game against the Australian Prime Minister's XI ahead of the day-night Test in Adelaide.