Rohit Sharma is set to miss the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia. The Indian captain has reportedly informed the chief selector and senior officials at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about his potential absence due to a personal matter, which could lead him to withdraw from the Test match starting on November 22 at the Perth Stadium.
At 37 years old, Rohit has stated that he may opt out of the Perth Test if the situation continues. However, the BCCI has yet to receive an official confirmation from him.
Currently, Rohit is on a break while India competes in a T20I series against Najmul Hossain Shanto’s Bangladesh. Previously, he led India to a 2-0 series victory over the Tigers. Rohit’s participation is vital for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as India aims to secure their third consecutive Test series win on Australian soil following victories in 2018-19 and 2020-21.
The Perth Test will be succeeded by a Day-Night Test at the Adelaide Oval on December 6, followed by the Gabba Test on December 14 and the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground starting December 26. The final Test will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3.
In his seven Test appearances in Australia, Rohit has accumulated 408 runs at an average of 31.38, including three fifties and a highest score of 63 not out.
India is also aiming for their third final in the World Test Championship after finishing as runners-up to New Zealand and Australia in 2021 and 2023, respectively. Currently, India sits atop the standings in the 2023-25 WTC cycle, having amassed 98 points from eight wins in 11 Tests.
