On Monday, Sunil Gavaskar opined that if Rohit Sharma is unavailable for the first Test against Australia, Jasprit Bumrah should be appointed captain for the entire series. Gavaskar emphasized that it’s crucial for the captain to be present for the opening match, and if Rohit is not available, his deputy, Bumrah, would face unnecessary pressure. He also stated that if Rohit misses the first couple of Tests, the selection committee should entrust Bumrah with the leadership role throughout the series, with Rohit joining the squad only as a player. Gavaskar made these comments on Sports Tak, stressing the importance of clarity in leadership for the team’s success.
Rohit Sharma is anticipated to miss the first Test of the India- Australia Border Gavaskar series, listed to begin on November 22, due to particular reasons. The match will be held at the Optus Stadium in Perth, where India will face Pat Cummins’ Australian platoon in the opening game of the five- Test series. Following India’s 0- 3 loss to New Zealand at home in the Wankhede Stadium, Rohit addressed rumors about his implicit absence from the first Test during a press conference. When asked about reports suggesting he might miss the match in Perth, he replied,” I’m not too sure about Perth. But fritters crossed,” pertaining to the November 22- 27 institution.
With India needing four wins from their five Tests in Australia to secure a spot in the World Test Championship Final, Sunil Gavaskar expressed doubts about the team’s ability to achieve that feat. He stated, “No, I don’t think so. I can’t see India beating Australia 4-0 in the series. If they do, I’d be over the moon, but 4-0 seems unlikely. India could win 3-1, but 4-0 is unrealistic. Instead of focusing on the World Test Championship, the team should concentrate on winning the series in Australia. It doesn’t matter whether they win 1-0, 2-0, 3-0, or 3-1. The key is to win, because that’s what will lift the spirits of Indian cricket fans and make us feel good again,” Gavaskar concluded.
When asked if time is running out for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Sunil Gavaskar replied, “The clock is ticking for everyone, not just for them. However, since they are in their mid-30s, it will be more challenging for them compared to players in their early 20s or early 30s. But the reality is, the clock is ticking for all players. That’s why I always say, the more you play, the better prepared you are to meet the demands of modern-day cricket.”