In what could be a significant setback for Team India, captain Rohit Sharma is reportedly likely to miss one of the first two Test matches on the upcoming tour of Australia. The 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy, comprising five Tests, is pivotal not only for India’s performance in Australia but also for their standing in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

Rohit Sharma informs BCCI

As per a report from the Press Trust of India (PTI), Rohit has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he may have to miss either the first Test in Perth (November 22-26) or the second Test in Adelaide (December 6-10) due to personal reasons. The report states that while Rohit’s absence is not confirmed, there is a possibility that he could sit out one of the opening matches depending on how the situation develops.

“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. In case the personal issue is sorted before the start of the series, he might play all five Tests. We will get to know more in the coming days,” a BCCI source told PTI.

India are set to play five Test matches in Australia for the first time since the 1991-92 season. The series will open with a match at Perth, followed by a Day-Night Test at the Adelaide Oval, then the third Test at The Gabba from December 14. The iconic Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground will be played from December 26, and the final match of the series will be hosted at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) starting January 3, 2025.

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Who will open for India in Rohit Sharma’s absence?

Rohit’s potential absence could have significant implications for the Indian side, particularly given his leadership and experience in foreign conditions. If he misses a match, the team management will likely turn to in-form opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, who is currently part of the India A squad that will also be touring Australia. Easwaran has shown consistent performances at the domestic level and would be a strong candidate to step in. Shubman Gill, who is also a seasoned opener, is another option the team might consider.

Talking about Rohit, he has previously played seven Tests in Australia, scoring 408 runs at an average of 31.38, including three half-centuries, with a top score of 63 not out. His experience and leadership will be crucial if India are to triumph in this important series and secure a spot in the WTC final. India are currently leading the WTC 2023-25 cycle with 98 points, having won eight out of 11 Tests.

With the WTC final in sight, Team India will be looking to build on their momentum and avoid any disruptions. Rohit’s presence will be crucial, but his possible absence raises questions about how India will adapt without their captain in one of the most challenging cricketing tours.

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