Rohit Sharma will not travel with the team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under, starting November 22 in Perth. The Indian cricket team is scheduled to board the flight to Australia in two batches, on Sunday and Monday. If Rohit misses out on the series opener, at Optus Stadium, his deputy Jasprit Bumrah will step into the captain’s shoes.
According to the Times of India, Rohit will not accompany his teammates to Australia. However, there is a possibility that he might join the Indian camp right before the commencement of the first Test on November 22.
“Yes, Rohit is not travelling with the team, but don’t rule him out of the first Test as yet. He may end up flying to Australia later third week, closer to the first Test,” the report quoted a source as saying.
Earlier on Saturday, a report carried by India Today stated that the Indian captain will fly to Australia but participation in the first Test is “subject to his personal matter”. However, the latest development, which is also source-based, has added another twist to the tale.
“He is travelling but his participation in the 1st Test is yet not confirmed. Will see what happens next anything in regards to this. His availability is subject to his personal matter,” a source was quoted as saying by India Today.
After the Mumbai Test against New Zealand earlier this month, Rohit was asked about him playing in Perth. “Right now, I am not too sure whether I’ll be going, but let’s see. Fingers crossed,” he had said.
India will enter the Australia Test tour having suffered a historic 0-3 whitewash at the hands of New Zealand when playing at home. The debacle led to questions over Indian batters’ ability to deal with spinners, aggressive approach with the bat and nature of pitches.