Ritika Sajdeh shares salute emoji on Instagram post about Aaron Finch defending Rohit Sharma over reports that he might miss Perth Test
Rohit Sharma's wife Ritika Sajdeh has reacted to reports that the Indian captain might miss the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth due to personal reasons. Responding to an Instagram post featuring Aaron Finch's quote in which he has defended the Indian cricketer, Sajdeh tagged the former Australian captain and posted a salute emoji.
Many media reports have been doing the rounds over the last few weeks that Rohit might miss the first Test against Australia in Perth for the birth of his second child. The opening Test of the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins on November 22.
Reacting to these reports, cricket legend and former captain Sunil Gavaskar opined that India must appoint a new leader for the Australia series if Rohit is unavailable form the very start, telling Sports Tak:
"We have been reading that Rohit Sharma will not play in the first Test, perhaps he will not play in the second as well. If this is the case, then I say that, right now, the Indian selection committee should say that 'if you have to rest, rest, if there are personal reasons then look at them. But if you are missing two-thirds of the matches then you should go for this tour only as a player. We will make the vice-captain the captain of this tour'."
Former Australian captain Finch, though, disagreed with Gavaskar's views. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, he commented:
"I disagree with Sunny on that totally. Rohit Sharma is the captain of the Indian cricket team. If you need to stay at home because your wife is having a baby... that's such a beautiful moment... and you take all the time that you need in that regard."
Under Rohit, India recently suffered an embarrassing 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand at home in a three-match Test series for the first time ever at home. The 37-year-old struggled with the bat as well, managing only 91 runs in six innings at an average of 15.17.
Rohit Sharma to fly to Australia with rest of squad, but doubts over participation in Perth Test remain: Reports
As per recent reports, Rohit is likely to fly to Australia with the rest of the squad. However, his participation in the first Test in Perth starting on November 22 remains uncertain. India Today quoted a source as saying:
"He is travelling but his participation in the first Test is yet not confirmed. Will see what happens next anything in regards to this. His availability is subject to his personal matter."
India need to beat Australia 4-0 to qualify for the World Test Championship final without depending on other results.