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Team India captain Rohit Sharma has hinted at a potential absence from the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia due to personal reasons. The series opener is scheduled to take place in Perth on November 22. Rohit expressed optimism about his participation, stating that he is 'keeping his fingers crossed'.
Will Rohit Sharma miss the first Test against Australia in Border-Gavaskar Trophy?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had previously announced the squad for the five-Test series, naming Rohit as captain and Jasprit Bumrah as vice-captain. At the time of the squad announcement, there was no indication from the BCCI regarding Rohit's potential absence from the first Test.
"Not sure whether I will be going, fingers crossed," Rohit said in the post-match press-conference after India's humiliating defeat in the third Test against New Zealand.
If Rohit Sharma is unable to participate in the Perth Test, Jasprit Bumrah will take over as captain. Given India's recent 3-0 whitewash at home against New Zealand, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has gained significant importance as both India and Australia aim to secure a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Following the disappointing series loss to New Zealand, Rohit Sharma expressed the team's determination to quickly recover and shift their focus towards the upcoming tour of Australia.
"We will focus on (upcoming) Australia series, and not look too far ahead," Rohit further added.
Following the conclusion of the first Test in Perth on November 26, there will be a ten-day break before the second Test in Adelaide, which begins on December 6th. During this interval, the Indian team is scheduled to play a two-day warm-up match in Canberra.
India's WTC final chances take a hit after embarrassing series sweep against New Zealand
India's hopes of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final have suffered a significant setback after their recent 3-0 series defeat to New Zealand at home. India had aimed to sweep the series, which would have positioned them favorably for the upcoming tour of Australia. However, New Zealand's dominant performance has significantly diminished India's chances of qualifying for the final.
To secure a spot in the WTC final, India would now need to achieve an improbable feat: a 4-0 series win against Australia. Given India's current form and the formidable challenge posed by Australia, this scenario appears highly unlikely.
