"I can confirm that the news is there" - Aakash Chopra on Rohit Sharma potentially missing a Test in Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Aakash Chopra has confirmed that reports of Rohit Sharma's potential unavailability for either of the first two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy are true. He opined that it will be a big loss for India if the skipper isn't available.
India will face Australia in a five-match Test series, with the first game starting in Perth on November 22. Reports suggest that Rohit might not be available for either the first or second Test due to personal reasons.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel 'Aakash Chopra', the former India opener confirmed the unofficial news.
"This will sway our emotions a little. There is news about Rohit Sharma. It has not come from official sources but I can confirm that the news is there. The news is that he might miss one game. It could be the first Test or the second Test. Since it's because of personal reasons, it's also being said that he might be available for the entire series," he said (7:45).
Chopra recalled India missing Rohit and Virat Kohli's services for a significant portion of the last series in Australia. He added that Rohit's potential absence for a Test this time will be a setback.
"He was injured last time and straightaway came to play the Sydney Test. He wasn't available in Adelaide and didn't play the Melbourne Test. Virat Kohli played the pink-ball Test and then wasn't available for the three Tests after that. Here also, Rohit Sharma might not be available for one of the first two Tests. It will be a big loss," he observed.
India bounced back from a mauling in the first Test in Adelaide to win the last away Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1. Rohit amassed 129 runs at an average of 32.25 in four innings after missing the first two Tests due to a hamstring injury.
"Abhimanyu Easwaran might be in line that he might get an opportunity to play that Test" - Aakash Chopra on Rohit Sharma's potential replacement
![Abhimanyu Easwaran is yet to make his Test debut. [P/C: BCCI Domestic/X]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/10/6d3b6-17287151272845-1920.jpg?w=500)
In the same video, Aakash Chopra opined that Abhimanyu Easwaran might be Rohit Sharma's replacement as an opener if the skipper misses either of the first two Tests.
"Abhimanyu Easwaran might be in line that he might get an opportunity to play that Test because there is a possibility. However, it will be a miss if the captain and an opener like him isn't there. It used to be a four-match series and now it has become five. So you really need to win every single game or give yourself best chances," he said (8:45).
While highlighting that the first two Tests are tough assignments, the renowned commentator concluded by hoping that Rohit would be available throughout the series.
"The first two matches are difficult too. The first is in Perth and the second is pink ball. Australia are starting like that to put India on the back foot straightaway. Rohit Sharma's absence, I think it will be an issue. Let's hope that his personal issue gets sorted out before that," Chopra stated.
Rohit has aggregated 708 runs at an average of 33.71 in 12 Tests against Australia. He has scored 408 runs at a slightly lower average of 31.38 in seven Tests in Australia.