The squad leader for the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 tour to Australia is expected to be India captain Rohit Sharma. Beginning on November 22, the Indian squad will play a high-stakes five-match series against the current World Test Championship winners.
However, Rohit’s scheduled absence from the first leg of the tour due to personal matters could be a severe blow for the visiting squad. Reports have verified that the 37-year-old has already informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about the personal situation. The seasoned player will therefore likely miss the first, second, or both Test matches of the Australian tour.
It is not entirely clear what the situation is. According to NDTV Sports, a BCCI source said, “It is understood that Rohit has indicated to the BCCI that there is a possibility that he might have to skip one of the two Tests at the beginning of the series due to a pressing personal matter.”
“He might play all five Tests if the personal matter is resolved before the series begins. In the upcoming days, we shall learn more,” it stated.
Abhimanyu Easwaran will take Rohit Sharma place.
In the meantime, the report has revealed that Abhimanyu Easwaran will be called up to cover for Rohit during the Australian tour. Easwaran, who has been playing well, is also expected to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal, with Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli following in order of precedence.
The primary discussion surrounding Rohit’s dismissal will be on who will lead the group on the crucial tour. Although it is reasonable to presume that Jasprit Bumrah, the elite pacer, will be Rohit’s deputy, young players like Gill and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant are also welcome.
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The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises that these players captained are the obvious explanation. Gill is the Men in Blue’s vice-captain at the moment and has captained India as well.