“Scenario completely wrong”: Former Indian star on Rohit Sharma's uncertainty for first Australia Test

There is almost a week left for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to begin, but uncertainty still remains over Rohit Sharma's availability for the opening game. The Indian captain is expected to miss the first match starting in Perth on November 22 as he is at home following the birth of his second child. Neither Rohit nor India head coach Gautam Gambhir has given any clear answer on this issue. As a result, it is still unclear whether Rohit will play the first Test or not. Talking on this matter, former Indian player Mohammad Kaif has said that such a situation is not ideal for the team in such an important series.

Notably, India need to win the five-match Test series in Australia 4-0 to qualify for the World Test Championship final without relying on external factors. An unfavorable result in the Down Under series could see India struggle or even lose a place in the summit clash.

“This scenario is completely wrong. You want your best team to play such a big Test match. Rohit Sharma should be there. He will open for India in the series and knows very well how to lead the team Rohit has every right to miss.” The game is due to a family matter, but they should be informed quickly, suspense is not ideal,'' Kaif said in a video on his YouTube channel.

“Rohit may not have confirmed about his availability because he wants to play. He knows that the team has lost 3-0 to New Zealand. His wife is pregnant but if things go better at home, then he can play in Australia. That is why he has not announced his unavailability yet, I think he wants to go there and play with all his heart.”

Earlier this week, Gambhir had said in a press conference that if Rohit is unavailable, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team.

“No player agrees to captain a team for one match. This is also not a good idea. It would be much better if Rohit leads India in the opening games,” Kaif said.