According to reports carried by Sports Tak, Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma is set for a delayed departure to Australia. The news comes on the eve of Indian team’s departure to Australia in two batches. Rohit Sharma and his wife Ritika are set to welcome their second baby soon.
Jasprit Bumrah who was named the full time vice-captain of the side will take charge of the team in Perth. The first Test match is slated to begin on 22nd November as Team India look to keep hold of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Rohit could rejoin the team ahead of the second Test in Adelaide which is to be a day and night affair.
Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar had slammed Rohit’s decision to stay back and miss the opening Test. There were reports that the Indian skipper could travel to Australia and play the opening game. This latest report from Sports Tak now puts a huge dampener even before the tour can begin.
Ricky Ponting makes massive statement on Jasprit Bumrah
Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting during his chat with ICC Review said “Yeah, captaincy is probably the hardest thing for him. I think that was always the question on Pat Cummins when he became the Australian Test captain as well”
The former skipper also said “How much is he going to bowl himself? Is he going to bowl himself too much? Is he not going to bowl himself enough? But, someone as experienced as Jasprit will understand the times when he needs to be bowling when he needs to have a spell."
“In that Indian team, there's a lot of experience around him. And, it's really important, I think, that you use the experience around you even when you are the captain, and just ask the appropriate questions at the right time because no matter how much cricket we've played, we're not always going to be right” further added Ricky Ponting
Meanwhile, former Aaron Finch gave his support to Rohit Sharma after being called out by Sunil Gavaskar. Finch during his chat with ESPNCRICINFO said “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”