Rohit Sharma set to miss the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia?

If reports are to be believed, India is bracing up for a setback ahead of the much-anticipated Border Gavaskar Trophy. India skipper Rohit Sharma is likely to miss the initial fixtures of the Border Gavaskar Trophy later this year. The latest updates on the all-important series, slated to unfold in Australia, indicate that Rohit Sharma is dealing with some 'personal matters.' As a result, the batter has made himself unavailable for one of the first two Tests of the five-match red-ball series. While the updates are speculative at this point, a source from the BCCI has confirmed that this may hold true if Rohit's personal matters overlap with the series.

Rohit Sharma likely to miss the initial fixtures of Border Gavaskar Trophy

India may be without their captain, Rohit Sharma, for one of the first two Tests in the upcoming five-match series against Australia, scheduled later this year. The two sides will compete for the Border Gavaskar Trophy on Australian soil, with India having dominated the series since Australia's last win in 2014/15. According to a report from PTI, Rohit has informed the BCCI that he might miss "one of the two opening Tests" due to a "pressing personal matter." The first Test is set for Perth from November 22 to 26, followed by a day-night match in Adelaide from December 6 to 10.

"In case, the personal issue is sorted before the start of the series, he might play all five Tests. We will get to know more in coming days," PTI quoted a source within the BCCI as saying.

Moreover, the reports further suggest that the BCCI is keen on playing India's first-class star Abhimanyu Easwaran in place of Sharma at the opening position. Easwaran recently came up with a remarkable century at the Irani Cup. Moreover, the batter will be in Australia as the leader of the touring India A side. In other scenario, India could shuffle the line up to play Shubman Gill up the order and along Yashasvi Jaiswal to open the attack against the Kangaroos.

Moreover, with KL Rahul having proved his worth at multiple positions for team India, the wicket-keeper batter remains in contention to hold the opening post in Sharma's absence. However, despite the availability of multiple options, India's best bet at the Border Gavaskar Trophy will be if Sharma wraps his personal duties on time to attend the full schedule of the BGT in Australia.

Furthermore, as of now, there is no confirmation on who could assume the captaincy if Rohit is absent. India's recent two-match series against Bangladesh did not feature a designated vice-captain. Jasprit Bumrah emerges as a key pick for the leading position. The seasoned pacer and KL Rahul have previously stepped in to hold the captaincy mantle when needed. Among other possible choices for captaincy are Shubman Gill, Rohit’s deputy in white-ball formats, and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. Australia, on the other hand, is likely to play the home Test series without all-rounder Cameron Green who is tending to a back stress injury at the moment.