Indian skipper Rohit Sharma is set to join the national team in Perth on November 24 for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. Rohit, who stayed back in India for the birth of his second child on November 15, will arrive after the start of the first Test, which begins on November 22. The rest of the Indian contingent departed for Australia in batches earlier this month.
While initial reports suggested Rohit Sharma might arrive before the series opener, it was always likely he would delay his travel. According to a Cricbuzz report, Rohit has assured the BCCI that he will join the team on Sunday, providing a much-needed boost for the squad ahead of the second Test.
In Rohit’s absence, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team in the first Test. Addressing the media ahead of the Perth game, Bumrah spoke about his leadership style, highlighting how every captain has a unique approach to the role.
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“It is an honor. I have my own style. Virat was different, Rohit was different, and I have my way. I don’t take this as a position; I love taking responsibility. I spoke with Rohit earlier, and I got a bit of clarity on leading the side after arriving here,” Jasprit Bumrah shared during the pre-match press conference.
ROHIT SHARMA IS COMING. 🚨
– Rohit has informed the BCCI that he’ll join the squad on Sunday and will be available for the PMXI’s match. pic.twitter.com/2MPmP32h7C— Habib Hasan (@HabibHasan1137) November 21, 2024
Jasprit Bumrah, a strong advocate for bowlers leading teams, also praised Australia’s Pat Cummins for his successful captaincy tenure. “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 like Kapil Dev. Hopefully, this marks the start of a new tradition.”
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Meanwhile, India is looking to recover from their surprising home Test series loss to New Zealand. Devdutt Padikkal has been called up to the squad and is likely to replace the injured Shubman Gill at number three. Padikkal’s inclusion adds intrigue to the lineup as India aims to make a strong statement against a formidable Australian side. The team will rely on Bumrah’s leadership and Rohit’s return to help balance experience and youth in this high-stakes series.
