Indian skipper Rohit Sharma will reportedly miss the first Test of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth. According to reports, Sharma has informed BCCI of his decision to miss the first Test. Despite missing the first Test, Rohit is expected to return to the squad ahead of the second match, which is a pink-ball Test, to be played in Adelaide from December 6.
His return will provide a much-needed boost to India’s top order and offer stability to the batting line-up, especially against a formidable Australia. Amid this development, batters Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal have been asked to stay back. They both played two unofficial Tests against Australia A ahead of BGT. Padikkal is expected to play the first Test, with Shubman Gill being ruled out of the first Test due to a thumb injury. KL Rahul will likely step up to open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.
With Rohit missing the first Test, reports suggest that fast bowler and vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will take charge of the team for the series opener. Bumrah has led the team in the past in the absence of Rohit.