Rohit Sharma to Miss First Two India vs Australia Tests in Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25?

Add as a preferred source on Google

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma is reportedly set to miss the first two India vs Australia Tests in the Border Gavaskar Trophy, scheduled to start on November 22, due to personal reasons.

According to a report by PTI, the Indian captain has already conveyed to the BCCI that he will not be available for the first two Tests Down Under. The personal reasons is unclear, but rumours suggest that the skipper and his partner are expecting their second child.

While these are reports, sources have confirmed that the personal matter has already been communicated by the 37-year-old to the BCCI, and he is likely to miss either first or second or both the Tests in the BGT 2024-25.

"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," a BCCI source was quoted as saying by PTI.

"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 coming days," the source added.

The first Test will be played in Perth from November 22 to 26 after which the second Test, which will be a day-night affair played with the pink ball, is scheduled to take place from December 6 to 10.

Who will fill in for Rohit Sharma in the BGT 2024-25 First Two Tests?

The same report also added that Abhimanyu Easwaran, who has been in sublime form, will be called up for the Australian tour to fill the void left by Rohit's absence. Easwaran could open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal with Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli retaining the third and fourth spots in the batting order.

Who will captain India in Rohit Sharma's absence?

Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul have led the team in Rohit's absence in the recent past. Bumrah, who is likely to be named the deputy to Rohit, is ahead of queue to take on the leadership role. But one can't rule out the likes of Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant also taking over.

During India's last tour Down Under, then skipper Virat Kohli played the first Test in Adelaide before leaving the tour for the birth of his first child in January 2021. India pulled off one of the biggest comebacks to win the series in 2020-21.