India captain Rohit Sharma is the supposed leader for the team at the upcoming tour of Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The tour will see the Indian team play against the reigning World Test Championship winners in a high-voltage five-match series, starting November 22.
The visiting team, however, could be up for a heavy loss, as Rohit is slated to miss the initial part of the tour due to some personal issues. Sources have confirmed that the personal matter has already been communicated by the 37-year-old to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). As a result, the experienced campaigner is set to miss either the first, second, or both Tests for the Australian tour.
“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 told as reported by NDTV Sports.
“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 the coming days,” it added.
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Abhimanyu Easwaran to replace Rohit
Meanwhile, the report has also added that Abhimanyu Easwaran will be called up for the Australian tour to fill the void left by Rohit’s absence. Easwaran, who has been in serene form, is also supposed to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, whereas Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli will be the next two batters, chronologically.
The biggest debate for Rohit’s ouster will be the leader of the pack for the important tour. It is safe to assume that ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah would be Rohit’s deputy, however, the doors are open for youngsters like Gill and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant as well. The reason being simple these players have captained their respective franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In fact, Gill has also captained India and is currently the designated vice-captain for the Men in Blue.