Rohit Sharma and wife Ritika Sajdeh welcome baby boy, likely to travel to Australia for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 opener in Perth

Rohit Sharma did not travel with the squad and practiced in Mumbai as he wanted to be with his family for the birth of his second child.

Sports Tak

• Sat • 16 Nov 2024

India's captain Rohit Sharma hugs his wife Ritika Sajdeh after India won the ICC men's Twenty20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on June 29, 2024.

Highlights:

Rohit Sharma was doubtful for the first Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

In Rohit's absence, Jasprit Bumrah was set to lead the side in Perth Test.

India's Test and ODI skipper Rohit Sharma and his wife Ritika Sajdeh welcomed their second child on November 15. The couple made the official announcement about the baby boy on November 16.

"F.A.M.I.L.Y the one where we are FOUR," read the photo shared by the couple on Instagram using a popular sitcom FRIENDS' reference.

Earlier, Rohit stayed back in India when the entire Test squad touched down in Australia for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. There was a question mark over Rohit's participation in the first Test of the gruelling five-Test series starting on November 22 in Perth.

Finch backed Rohit's decision to put family first

Rohit's decision to stay back at home to be with his family was lauded by many including former Australia captain Aaron Finch. Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar had said that vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah should lead India for entire tour if Rohit misses more than one game.

"I disagree with Sunny on that totally. Rohit Sharma is the captain of the Indian cricket team. If you need to stay at home because your wife's going to have a baby that's such a beautiful moment and you take all the time that you need in that regard," Finch said on Around the Wicket show in ESPNcricinfo.

ALSO READ: Watch: BCCI posts highlights of India's match simulation in Perth featuring five batters including Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant on Day 1

Ritika responded to Finch's comments on Instagram with a salute emoji.

ALSO READ: Shardul Thakur reacts to Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 squad snub after head coach Gautam Gambhir picked young all-rounder as his replacement

Rohit ready for Perth Test?

It is not confirmed yet but Rohit is likely to travel to Australia ahead of the Perth Test. Abhimanyu Easwaran was added to the squad as Rohit's cover as opener. Meanwhile, KL Rahul was another option being considered for the role but he has been out of form. In addition, Rahul was hit on the elbow during the match simulation on November 15. Also, Shubman Gill is another option as an opener for Team India.