Border Gavaskar Trophy: Rohit Sharma returning for the India vs Australia 2nd Test? Check details

Indian captain Rohit Sharma is set to rejoin the national team in Perth on November 24, ahead of the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. The star batter had opted to stay back in India to celebrate the arrival of his second child, a baby boy born on November 15. While the Indian squad began their journey to Australia in batches on November 10 and 11, Rohit’s decision to delay his travel was understood and supported by the team management. Initial reports suggested that Rohit might join the squad before the India vs Australia opening Test, slated to start on November 22 in Perth. However, it was evident that his travel plans would align with his family commitments, allowing him to spend precious moments with his newborn and family. Recent developments now confirm that Rohit has communicated to the BCCI his intention to link up with the team on Sunday, November 24.

This will mark an important phase for the Indian skipper, who will take charge of the team in a high-stakes five-match Test series against Australia. Rohit’s presence is crucial, not just for his leadership but also for his batting prowess at the top of the order. His late arrival means that vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah lead the team for the first Test. Fans and teammates alike eagerly await the skipper’s return as India looks to maintain their dominance in the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy having not lost a single series since 2014-15. 

In the absence of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah is poised to take charge of the team for the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. This marks another significant milestone for Bumrah, who continues to solidify his reputation as a leader both on and off the field. Known for his composed demeanor and strategic acumen, Bumrah has previously stepped into leadership roles, earning the respect of teammates and cricketing pundits alike.

Ahead of the series opener, Bumrah spoke about his perspective on leadership, emphasizing that every captain brings a unique approach to the role. He highlighted how adaptability and understanding the strengths of individual players are key to fostering a cohesive team environment. Bumrah acknowledged that while the fundamentals of captaincy remain constant—like motivating players and making crucial decisions under pressure—each leader's style reflects their personality and cricketing philosophy.

Under Bumrah’s stewardship, India aims to maintain their competitive edge against a formidable Australian side. As one of the world’s premier fast bowlers, his on-field performance will be as critical as his ability to guide the team tactically. With the stakes high and expectations soaring, Bumrah’s leadership in the series opener will not only set the tone for India’s campaign but also underscore his evolving role as a captaincy contender for the future.

"It is an honour. I have my own style. Virat was different, Rohit was different. and I have my own way. It is a privilege. I don't take it as a position. I love taking responsibility. I spoke with Rohit earlier. But I got a little bit of clarity on leading the side after coming in here," Jasprit Bumrah said in the press conference on the eve of the start of the Perth Test.

"I have always advocated for pacers being captains. They are tactically better. Pat has done a phenomenal job. There are a lot of models in the past as well. Kapil Dev and lot of other captains in the past. Hopefully a start of a new tradition," the pacer said on being given the captain's role for the match.

Rohit Sharma, who played a vital role in India’s previous tour of Australia in 2020-21, scored 131 runs across two Tests and will be keen to make his mark again in the upcoming series. India enters the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the back of a historic home series defeat against New Zealand, a result that has added pressure on the team to deliver a strong performance in Australia.

In a significant lineup adjustment, young Karnataka batter Devdutt Padikkal has been included in the squad. Padikkal is expected to step into the crucial No. 3 position, replacing the injured Shubman Gill, who was ruled out following a thumb injury sustained during training. This change introduces a fresh dynamic to India’s batting order, with Padikkal eager to seize the opportunity and contribute to the team’s campaign in the high-stakes series starting November 22.