Perth [Australia], November 17 – Indian skipper Rohit Sharma will miss the first Test of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia at the Optus Stadium, Perth, starting November 22. According to an ESPNcricinfo report, Jasprit Bumrah will lead the Indian side in Rohit’s absence.
Rohit is staying back in India to attend the birth of his second child and is expected to join the squad ahead of the second Test in Adelaide, commencing on December 6. Despite missing the series opener, the Indian captain is likely to play the two-day pink-ball warm-up game against the Australian Prime Minister’s XI before the day-night Test.
Rohit’s Recent Form
Rohit’s recent form has been underwhelming, particularly during India’s home Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand earlier this year. Across five matches, he managed just 133 runs in 10 innings, averaging 13.30, with a solitary half-century. His scores in those innings were: 6, 5, 23, 8, 2, 52, 0, 8, 18, and 11.
Shubman Gill Doubtful for First Test
The report also indicates that opener Shubman Gill may miss the first Test due to a left-hand injury sustained while fielding in the slips during an intra-squad match. Gill did not return to the field on the second day, and his availability for the series opener remains uncertain.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy Schedule
The five-match Test series promises an intense battle between India, looking to avenge their recent 0-3 loss against New Zealand, and World Test Champions Australia.
- First Test: Optus Stadium, Perth – November 22 to 26
- Second Test: Adelaide Oval (Day-Night) – December 6 to 10
- Third Test: The Gabba, Brisbane – December 14 to 18
- Fourth Test: Melbourne Cricket Ground (Boxing Day Test) – December 26 to 30
- Fifth Test: Sydney Cricket Ground – January 3 to 7
The series will culminate at the Sydney Cricket Ground, offering a thrilling conclusion to one of cricket’s most prestigious contests.
