Rohit Sharma ruled out of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 1st Test: Reports

Team India will reportedly miss the services of Rohit Sharma as the skipper remains unavailable for the first Test against Australia, beginning on November 22 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. According to the Times of India (TOI), the veteran opener wishes to spend more time with his family as he and his wife have just welcomed their second child.

Recent developments have confirmed that the right-handed batter's wife Ritika gave birth to a baby boy on Friday (November 15) in a local hospital. The former shared a post on Instagram on Saturday to confirm the same. According to TOI, the 37-year-old communicated his decision to not play the first Test to the BCCI on Saturday.

A TOI source claimed:

"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."

Shubman Gill's availability for the Test is yet another concern for the tourists as the youngster injured his thumb while fielding during the simulation training match at the WACA.

Jasprit Bumrah to lead Team India in the opening Test if Rohit Sharma gets officially ruled out

During the pre-departure press conference, head coach Gautam Gambhir had stated that pacer Jasprit Bumrah will lead India if the regular captain is unavailable. He had said, as quoted by India Today:

"Bumrah is vice-captain; if Rohit is not available, he is going to lead in Perth. At the moment, there is no confirmation but we will let you know exactly what the situation will be. Hopefully, he's going to be available, but everything we're going to get to know at the start of the series."

The visitors are under pressure, having lost the three-Test series against New Zealand at home by 3-0. With the World Test Championship (WTC) final also at stake, India must beat Australia by a 4-0 scoreline to seal a place in the decider.