Rohit Sharma May Miss Crucial Test Against Australia

India‘s cricket team could potentially face a major setback with the possibility of skipper Rohit Sharma missing one of the first two Test matches against Australia. As reported by the Press Trust of India (PTI), the reason behind Rohit’s likely absence is attributed to personal matters that have been communicated to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The Indian team is set to embark on a challenging five-Test series in Australia, beginning on November 22 in Perth. There is speculation that Rohit might miss either the first or second game scheduled from December 6 to 10 in Adelaide. “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,” revealed a BCCI source to PTI on the condition of anonymity.

The 37-year-old Rohit recently participated in both home Tests against Bangladesh and is expected to lead India in the upcoming three-Test series against New Zealand starting October 16. Should Rohit be unavailable for a Test match in Australia, Abhimanyu Easwaran may be considered as a potential replacement, particularly given his current form. Additionally, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul are other experienced options for the opening position.

Easwaran is concurrently in Australia with the India A team, which he is expected to lead. However, there remains uncertainty regarding the vice-captaincy of the Test team, as there was no official deputy during the recent home series against Bangladesh. This has led to speculation about potential candidates, such as Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, who has previously led India in a Test, and Rishabh Pant.

Cricketer and analyst Abhishek Nayar commented, “There are a lot of players who have led their franchises. I wouldn’t look at them as youngsters anymore. Yes, they are youngsters in terms of age and the amount of cricket they have played. But, I think overall, mentally and in their development as a cricketer, they have the leadership qualities that are required.”