Rohit Sharma is going to skip India’s first test in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar trophy. While the first group of the Indian team boarded for Australia on Sunday night from Mumbai Airport, Sharma who reportedly is expecting a second child with wife Ritika Sajdeh is likely to miss the first day in Perth. As per the reports, Sajdeh’s delivery is due for the third week of November. 

In a recent press conference Head coach Gautam Gambhir also confirmed who will replace in the Indian skipper’s absence from the 5-match series.

Who will replace Rohit Sharma as a captain on the first day of BGT? 

Head coach Gautam Gambhir proclaimed in case the skipper becomes absent vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah might fill in his shoes.

Despite not confirming the news, the former cricketer revealed the Perth Stadium will witness Bumrah as the skipper on November 22.

“Bumrah is vice-captain; if Rohit is not available, he is going to lead in Perth,” Gambhir confirmed at the Mumbai press conference.

He also added to his statement that, “At the moment, there is no confirmation but we will let you know exactly what the situation will be.”

Moreover, the coach also shared the list of the backup openers in Sharma’s absence. “Obviously there is [Abhimanyu] Easwaran and there is [KL Rahul] there. So we will take a call closer to the first Test match if Rohit is not available,” added the coach.

Amid the uncertainty regarding the skipper’s availability a source of India Today reported, “Rohit Sharma won’t travel with the team to Australia. There were suggestions he might travel but now he isn’t. His wife’s delivery is expected next week.”

Sunil Gavaskar doesn’t want Rohit Sharma to Miss the First Test

Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar criticized Sharma for missing the first test. While speaking to Sports Tak, Gavaskar said, “We have been hearing that Rohit Sharma will miss the first two Tests. If this is the case, the selection committee should tell him to look at his personal issues and return as a player. The decision-makers should promote vice-captain as captain.”

However, Australia’s former white-ball captain Aaron Finch disagreed with the former cricketer and defended Sharma while conversing with ESPNcricinfo adding, “I disagree with Sunny. Rohit Sharma is the skipper of the Indian cricket team. Having a baby is a beautiful moment, and one should be allowed to stay with his wife as long as he wants.”

Later, Ritika Sajdeh, Sharma’s wife also seemingly confirmed the speculation by appreciating Finch’s statement under the site’s comment section with a ‘salute’ emoji tagging the Aussie legend.

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