"That’s the most important thing in his life" - Suresh Raina defends Rohit Sharma's decision to miss Perth Test for the birth of his child
Former India batter Suresh Raina has backed skipper Rohit Sharma's decision to miss the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar series for the birth of his second child. Although there has been no confirmation regarding the duration of his absence yet, the Team India skipper was not part of the contingent that recently departed for Australia.
Rohit's decision has faced criticism, with former batter Sunil Gavaskar opining that Jasprit Bumrah should lead the entire series if the regular skipper does not make it in time for the first Test in Perth.
The debate escalated when former Australia captain Aaron Finch disagreed with the comments made by the legendary cricketer, while Rohit's wife Ritika also made her thoughts known on the matter.
Meanwhile, Suresh Raina said in an interview with The Times of India:
"Rohit has a personal reason. His wife is expecting (their second child). That's the most important thing in his life (currently)."
The Men in Blue faced a similar predicament during their last tour of Australia in 2020-21. Then-skipper Virat Kohli left the tour after the first Test to attend the birth of his first child, as Ajinkya Rahane led India in the remaining three matches of the series.
Rohit's absence not only leaves India without their leader, but also a vacant spot at the top of the order. The selectors chose Abhimanyu Easwaran as the backup opener but the Bengal batter's poor scores in the unofficial Test series against Australia A are far from encouraging.
Team India have an experienced opener in KL Rahul as an additional candidate. However, Suresh Raina wishes that India look towards the in-form Dhruv Jurel as a left-field option.
"KL Rahul has a lot of experience. Not to forget, Dhruv Jurel. You never know, they might ask him to open also. It can happen. The coach has to take the call. Jurel can be the X-factor that India are looking for in Australia," he said.
"You can try him in the first Test. I know when Rohit Sharma comes back, he will open but why not give a chance to a youngster who has done really well. I think they should consider Jurel as an opener when Rohit is not there," Raina opined.
The wicketkeeper-batter joined the India A side with no game time under his belt and scored twin fifties (80 and 68) in the second unofficial Test against Australia A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His exploits even earned praise from former Australia captain Tim Paine.
"If he does well, I think we will have a future leader in Test cricket" - Suresh Raina backs Jasprit Bumrah as a long-term captaincy candidate
Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir had confirmed in the press conference before leaving for Australia that Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team in Rohit Sharma's absence. The pacer was listed as the vice-captain in the official squad as well.
Bumrah led India during the rescheduled fifth Test against England in 2022 when Rohit Sharma was sidelined with COVID-19.
"Gauti bhai (coach Gautam Gambhir) said in the media that Jasprit has that astute leadership (quality), and I think he will be different. Like if you see Pat Cummins, he won the World Cup for them (Australia), has done really well as a player and as a captain. I think Bumrah is close to that. If you look at it from the point of an opportunity, it's a gun opportunity for him. If he does well, I think we will have a future leader in Test cricket," Raina said in the same interview.
The Border-Gavaskar series is scheduled to begin from November 22 onwards. The first Test will be played at the Optus Stadium in Perth.