"I would have done the same" - Travis Head backs Rohit Sharma's decision to skip Perth Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
Australian batter Travis Head has backed India captain Rohit Sharma’s decision to skip the first Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy after becoming a father for the second time recently. He stated that if he was in a similar situation, he would have done the same.
Rohit has reportedly informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he would be unavailable for the first Test against Australia in Perth as he wants to spend time with his family following the birth of his second child.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the opening India vs Australia Test at the Optus Stadium, Head supported the Indian skipper's decision. The Aussie opener said (as quoted by Revsportz):
“Hundred per cent, I support Rohit’s decision. I would have done the same in the same situation. We sacrifice a lot of things as a cricketer. We do live a very privileged life and we do also get looked after.
"But also, on the flip side, we keep missing important milestones. So, yeah, I would do the same thing if I were in his position. You do not get that time back. Hopefully, he returns at some stage in this series."
The 30-year-old also stressed on the importance of balancing team and personal commitments, adding:
“It’s a team-first mentality, but also about understanding when it’s better to step back and recover properly."
In Rohit's absence, vice-captain and lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah will captain the Indian team in the first Test in Perth, which starts on Friday, November 22.
No confirmation over Rohit Sharma’s availability for the Australia series
There has been no official communication from the BCCI or the Indian management over Rohit's availability for the Australia series. In the pre-departure press conference, head coach Gautam Gambhir had stated that they would get a better idea about the scenario closer to the start of the series.
Rohit's second child was born on November 15 and a report in the Times of India (TOI) a day later claimed that the Indian captain had pulled out of the Perth Test. TOI quoted a source as saying:
"Yes, Rohit Sharma will not be featuring in the first Test. He wants to spend some more time with his family and the new-born and the Indian cricket board completely respects his decision."
The second Test of the India vs Australia Test series will be played at the Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10.