Rohit Sharma to Miss First Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy; Bumrah to Lead India

India's captain Rohit Sharma will miss the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, scheduled to begin on Friday in Perth. Rohit is staying back in India to be with his family for the birth of his second child. His absence will see vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah take over the leadership responsibilities for the first Test.

In Rohit's absence, the selectors have instructed Devdutt Padikkal to stay back in Australia, and he will be added to the 18-member squad for future matches in the series. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Rohit had informed them about his unavailability, as he needed more time with his family. However, he is expected to join the team in Australia before the second Test, as there is a nine-day gap between the first and second Tests, allowing him to make it in time for the Adelaide match.

This will not be the first time Bumrah leads India, as he previously captained the team during the fifth Test against England in 2021-22, when Rohit had tested positive for COVID-19.

India’s series against Australia has become even more crucial after their disappointing 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand at home. A loss in this series could result in India missing out on a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

In another development, Shubman Gill has sustained an injury while fielding on Saturday, which is likely to force a change in India's batting lineup. KL Rahul is tipped to replace Gill in the playing XI. Additionally, with Rohit's absence, wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel could also be considered for a place in the team.