Reports: Rohit Sharma to join India squad in Perth on November 24 for Border-Gavaskar Trophy. (Source – BCCI)
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma is expected to join the national team in Perth on November 24, for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, after the birth of his second child. While the Indian cricket contingent departed for Australia in batches between November 10 and 11, Rohit chose to stay back, welcoming a baby boy on November 15.
While earlier reports said that he would be in Perth before the commencement of the first Test, which starts on November 22, it was always clear that he would delay his journey. But according to a Cricbuzz report, he has confirmed to BCCI that he would join the squad on Sunday, November 24.
It is an honour. I have my own style: Jasprit Bumrah
In Rohit’s absence -vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah is set to lead the team in the series opener. Bumrah himself spoke about leadership, emphasizing that each captain brings a different approach to the role.
“It is an honour. I have my own style. Virat was different, Rohit was different. and I have my own way. It is a privilege. I don’t take it as a position. I love taking responsibility. I spoke with Rohit earlier. But I got a little bit of clarity on leading the side after coming in here,” Bumrah said in the press conference on the eve of the start of the Perth Test.
“I have always advocated for pacers being captains. They are tactically better. Pat has done a phenomenal job. There are a lot of models in the past as well. Kapil Dev and lot of other captains in the past. Hopefully a start of a new tradition,” the pacer said on being given the captain’s role for the match.
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Meanwhile, Sharma was part of the previous Australia tour in 2020-21 and scored 131 runs across two Test matches. India is coming off a historic home series defeat against New Zealand and will be eager to make a strong statement in Australia. The team has also made a notable change in the lineup, with Devdutt Padikal being included in the squad and is likely to take the crucial number three position, replacing the injured Shubman Gill.