With the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 approaching, fans are eager to see India take on Australia in a much-anticipated battle. However, reports suggest that Indian skipper Rohit Sharma might miss the first Test in Perth to be with his family as his wife, Ritika Sajdeh, is reportedly expecting their second child. Rohit’s absence could create major challenges for the Indian team in what promises to be an intense series, crucial for both teams in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) race.
Why Rohit Sharma May Not Play in the First Test
Rohit Sharma, who has become a pivotal leader for the Indian Test team, may choose to prioritize family at this special moment. Reports claim his wife is due to deliver their second child around the time of the first Test. Rohit’s decision to possibly miss the opening Test echoes Virat Kohli’s choice in 2020, when he returned home mid-series against Australia to attend the birth of his daughter. Family priorities have often led to such tough choices for cricketers, highlighting the delicate balance they must maintain between personal life and professional responsibilities.
Challenges for India Without Rohit’s Leadership
If Rohit does miss the match, India will be without their regular captain, which might give Australia an advantage early on in the series. Jasprit Bumrah, a phenomenal bowler but relatively inexperienced as captain, may lead in his place. Australia, known for their aggressive on-field strategies, could use Bumrah’s limited captaincy experience to apply pressure, especially during key sessions. Australia’s aggression on home soil could put added strain on India’s opening match and test the resilience of the touring side.
India’s World Test Championship Final Dream at Stake
This series is more than just another rivalry—it’s a critical battle in the race to the ICC World Test Championship final. India has won the previous two Border Gavaskar Trophies in Australia, but doing it a third time is a tall order. Winning in Australia has never been easy, and with the added pressure of needing points for a spot in the WTC final, Rohit’s absence could impact India’s momentum. A setback in the series could diminish India’s chances of reaching the WTC final, making each match essential.
Gautam Gambhir’s Coaching Under Scrutiny
The pressure doesn’t rest solely on the players. This will be Gautam Gambhir’s first overseas series as head coach for India’s Test team, and the spotlight is firmly on him. Having faced criticism following a home series loss to New Zealand, Gambhir needs a strong performance from his team to keep the critics at bay. A defeat against Australia could lead to questions about his role and possibly disrupt the team environment. With the stakes this high, Gambhir will be keen to see a positive start to the series, even if Rohit is absent.
Future Prospects for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
With the Indian team’s focus on grooming young talent for the future, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli need strong performances in this series. Both veterans are key figures, but a poor show in Australia could potentially influence the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) approach to team selection in the upcoming ICC cycles. With future World Test Championship plans in mind, this series could play a significant role in determining the long-term standing of these senior players.
In Rohit’s potential absence, the Indian team faces an uphill battle, not just against a formidable Australian squad but also with pressures tied to future WTC ambitions, coaching scrutiny, and the careers of cricketing legends. The first Test will be a crucial moment for Team India as they strive to start the Border Gavaskar Trophy series with a strong showing, regardless of whether their skipper is present.
