Rohit Sharma will not travel with Team India to Australia as his wife, Ritika Sajdeh, is expecting their second child. The players will leave in two batches on Sunday and Monday.
The BCCI hasn’t given any information on Rohit’s availability for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under. Gautam Gambhir, the head coach, will speak to the media before leaving for Australia on Monday.
It was earlier reported that Rohit applied for paternity leave, and the BCCI has permitted him to stay with his wife. He is set to miss the opening game starting on November 22.
However, he may also opt out of the second Test in Adelaide starting on December 6, but much will depend on his wife’s delivery date. Jasprit Bumrah, the vice-captain for the Australia series, will lead India in Rohit’s absence.
Rohit is under massive pressure after failing as a batter and captain against the Kiwis. He scored just 91 runs in six innings.
Meanwhile, India have been unbeaten against Australia for 10 years, winning four series, including two Down Under.
The much-awaited five-Test series between Australia and India will begin in Perth on November 22 and Kohli, as always, will be a vital cog in India’s scheme of things if they are to retain the prestigious trophy.
