Indian cricket skipper Rohit Sharma has embarked on his journey to Australia to rejoin the national team for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. A video showing Rohit at Mumbai airport went viral as he departed to join the squad ahead of the second Test. The skipper missed the first game due to paternity leave, during which he welcomed his second child, a baby boy, with his wife Ritika Sajdeh. The couple also has a daughter, Samaira.
Here is the video:
🚨 ROHIT SHARMA COMING. 🚨
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 23, 2024
- Captain Rohit has arrived at the Mumbai airport to leave for Australia for the Border Gavaskar Trophy. 🙇♂️🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/fUSctsdrzk
While Rohit's return is eagerly awaited, it has sparked a debate regarding the team's opening combination. The first Test witnessed a stellar performance from the opening duo of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who forged a formidable partnership in the second innings.
Their combined effort of 172 runs for the first wicket at the Optus Stadium in Perth put India in a commanding position. Both batters demonstrated exceptional discipline against the new ball, with Jaiswal remaining unbeaten on 90 and Rahul scoring a solid 62.
Dodda Ganesh advises Gautam Gambhir!
Former cricketer Dodda Ganesh weighed in on the selection conundrum, advocating for the continuation of the Rahul-Jaiswal opening pair. "Just have KL Rahul opening throughout the tour. For heaven's sake, don’t shuffle his spot again. He’s the best bet to handle the conditions with the new ball. Rohit can bat in the middle order," Ganesh wrote on Twitter.
He further urged the team management to use Rohit's experience to strengthen the middle order instead of disrupting the newfound opening stability. The debate highlights a key challenge for head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management: balancing continuity and experience.
Rohit, known for his commanding presence at the top, has been a mainstay of India’s batting lineup, especially in Tests. However, with Rahul and Jaiswal demonstrating immense potential, reshuffling roles may impact their momentum and confidence. India's captain is expected to rejoin the playing XI for the next Test, but whether he resumes his role as an opener or takes on a middle-order position remains to be seen.