'There Is News About Him...' - Aakash Chopra Confirms Rohit Sharma's Absence For 1st Test Vs Australia
Rohit Sharma likely to miss first Test vs AUS (Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com)
Indian captain Rohit Sharma may not be available for the start of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, which kicks off on November 22 in Perth. Reports suggest that Rohit has informed the BCCI that he may need to miss at least one of the first two Tests due to a personal matter.
The five-match Test series will see two of cricket’s powerhouses, India and Australia, competing for the prestigious trophy. However, the Indian camp could face an early setback with the possible absence of the skipper.
Aakash Chopra Confirms Reports on YouTube
Aakash Chopra, former Indian opener and prominent cricket analyst, discussed the issue in a video on his YouTube channel. While the BCCI has yet to release an official statement, he has stated that Rohit Sharma’s absence is a distinct possibility.
"This will sway our emotions a little. There is news about Rohit Sharma. It has not come from official sources but I can confirm that the news is there. The news is that he might miss one game. It could be the first Test or the second Test. Since it's because of personal reasons, it's also being said that he might be available for the entire series," he said
He also acknowledged that while it remains unclear whether Rohit Sharma will miss the first Test or the second Test, his potential absence would undoubtedly be a significant blow for India.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a high-stakes series, and having the captain on the field plays a crucial role in guiding the team, particularly on Australian pitches where conditions often challenge visiting sides.
"He was injured last time and straightaway came to play the Sydney Test. He wasn't available in Adelaide and didn't play the Melbourne Test. Virat Kohli played the pink-ball Test and then wasn't available for the three Tests after that. Here also, Rohit Sharma might not be available for one of the first two Tests. It will be a big loss," he observed.
The upcoming series is set to be a crucial moment in India’s cricket calendar, as the team looks to defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and continue its strong performances against Australia.
While reports of Rohit’s unavailability have surfaced, the BCCI has yet to make an official announcement. If Rohit is unavailable for one or both of the initial Tests, India will likely need to consider alternate leadership options.