Rohit Sharma likely to miss opening test against Australia due to personal reasons

Rohit Sharma will likely miss the opening Test of India’s upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, which begins on November 22, 2024, in Perth. He reportedly informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that a personal issue might prevent him from playing the first or second Test, scheduled for Adelaide in early December. The BCCI is awaiting an official confirmation, but Rohit may join the series later if the issue is resolved.

India is gearing up for this crucial Test series, with Abhimanyu Easwaran potentially stepping in as a replacement if Rohit is unavailable. The team will be aiming for their third consecutive Test series win on Australian soil​.

Rohit Sharma’s potential absence from the opening Test against Australia is due to a pressing personal matter that he communicated to the BCCI. This situation casts uncertainty over his participation in the series opener, and depending on the resolution of the issue, he could also miss the second Test in Adelaide. The first Test starts in Perth on November 22, followed by a day-night match in Adelaide on December 6.

If Rohit cannot play, India may rely on several potential replacements, such as Abhimanyu Easwaran, who is currently set to lead India A in their Australian tour. Easwaran, along with established openers like Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, could fill in for the skipper if needed​.

Rohit’s role as captain extends beyond his performance. His leadership and tactical acumen have been vital, particularly in high-pressure situations. His ability to manage bowlers effectively and make game-changing decisions has greatly contributed to India’s past successes, especially on overseas tours​.

India’s team will also be looking to maintain their momentum, having secured the top spot in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, and aiming for their third consecutive series win on Australian soil​