Replace Rohit Sharma WIth New Permanent Captain for Border-Gavaskar Trophy, says Sunil Gavaskar

Add as a preferred source on Google

With Rohit Sharma set to miss India’s first Test against Australia in the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar has weighed in on one of the team’s most pressing issues: captaincy.

Following a historic whitewash against New Zealand, Gavaskar has called on the BCCI to appoint a permanent captain for the series rather than relying on temporary leadership. With the five-match Test series beginning on November 22 in Perth, the former cricketer stressed the importance of having a stable leader, especially after India’s recent defeats.

Gavaskar’s comments come as Rohit Sharma, India's current Test captain, remains uncertain for the series opener due to personal reasons. The Test captain will reportedly fly home as his wife Ritika Sajdeh is rumoured to be pregnant with the couple’s second child. Vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah is expected to take on the team’s reins in Rohit Sharma’s absence.

What Did Gavaskar Say About Rohit Sharma’s Replacement for Border Gavaskar Trophy?

Speaking to reporters, Gavaskar urged the BCCI to appoint a full-time captain in case Rohit cannot join the team in time, as a fluctuating leadership structure could place unnecessary pressure on vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah.

“The captain has to play the first Test. If he is injured, that is a different thing,” Gavaskar said in the interview. “When your leader is not available for the first match, then the pressure will be too much on the deputy. The responsibility of captaincy is not easy.”

Sunil Gavaskar further advised chief selector Ajit Agarkar to communicate clearly with Rohit. “If you want to rest, take rest for your personal reasons but for this tour, if you are missing 2/3rd, then go only as a player,” he said. “For this tour, we will make the vice-captain the captain.”

The former captain also highlighted how essential it is for a Test leader to be present throughout the series, especially as India aims to recover from recent setbacks and reignite their hopes for the 2025 World Test Championship final. Rohit, a veteran of Indian Test victories in their opponent’s home territory in 2018-19 and 2020-21, has had a patchy record of participation on Australian soil, missing games on both successful tours due to injury.

This time, however, the stakes are high for both teams. India will not only be battling to stay in contention for the WTC final but also aiming for a historic hat-trick of series wins in Australia, while the Aussies are eyeing their first Border-Gavaskar Trophy win in a decade.