Rohit Sharma Set To Miss First Test In Border-Gavaskar Trophy; Expected Return For Second Test

Rohit Sharma, the captain of Team India, is likely to miss the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This match is set to start on November 22 at Perth's Optus Stadium. Reports indicate that Rohit will remain in India for the birth of his second child and will join the team only after this Test.

The 37-year-old had informed the BCCI and selectors about his potential absence from the Perth Test. However, he left open the possibility of a last-minute decision based on when his child was born. Rohit and Ritika welcomed a baby boy on November 15, making it unlikely for him to travel to Perth in time.

Rohit is anticipated to be available for the second Test in Adelaide, starting December 4. He is also expected to participate in a two-day pink-ball warm-up match against the Australian Prime Minister's XI before this Test in the Border-Gavaskar series.

In Rohit's absence, KL Rahul is set to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal for the first Test. Jasprit Bumrah will likely lead the team until Rohit joins them for the Adelaide match. This arrangement comes as Rahul has been declared fit to play.

Despite his expected return in Adelaide, Rohit's recent form has been concerning. In five Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand, he scored just 133 runs across 10 innings, averaging 13.30 with a top score of 52.

His scores during India's home season were: 6, 5, 23, 8, 2, 52, 0, 8, 18, and 11. Balancing cricket with personal commitments poses a challenge for Rohit as he aims to gain sufficient practice before playing in Adelaide.