New Delhi, November 18 (UITV)- Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma will not play in the first Test match against Australia starting on November 22. Rohit has informed the BCCI about this. Recently he has become a father for the second time and at this time he wants to spend time with his wife and newborn son. In his absence, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will take over the captaincy of Team India. Bumrah, who reached Australia with the team as vice-captain, will be seen captaining the first Test to be played at Optus Stadium in Perth.
Rohit Sharma may be available in the second Test match to be played in Adelaide from December 6. This Test match will be day-night.
Keeping in mind the absence of Rohit Sharma, the Indian selectors have asked Devdutt Padikal to stay in Australia. Padikkal is already on a tour of Australia with the India A team. Given his recent form, he has been included in the 18-member squad of the main team. Padikkal has been included in the team as a backup batsman in place of Rohit.
KL Rahul is fully fit to open the Indian innings in the first Test. During the ‘intra-squad’ practice match at the WACA ground, Prasidh Krishna’s ball hit his elbow, due to which he was injured. However, BCCI physiotherapist Kamlesh Jain has confirmed that Rahul has not suffered any fracture and is fully fit after treatment.
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On Sunday, Rahul took part in the net session and batted for three hours. During this, he took part in all types of practice drills. Rahul himself said in a video shared by the BCCI, “I was injured on the first day, but now I am feeling good. I am ready for the first Test. I got the advantage of coming here early, so that I could adapt to the conditions. I am excited for this series.” In the first Test, the team management can give KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal a chance to open. Jaiswal has performed well in recent West Indies and domestic matches. The combination of his aggressive style and Rahul’s experience can be effective in Australian conditions.
The Indian team has completed its training at the WACA ground. The team has been given rest on Monday and from Tuesday the players will start practice to prepare for the match at Optus Stadium. During the practice, the team has paid special attention to its batting, bowling and fielding drills.
Devdutt Padikkal, who is a left-handed batsman, recently played for India A against Australia A. He scored innings of 36, 88, 26 and 1 runs in four-day matches. Given his talent and technique, he was also selected in the Karnataka team for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Padikkal’s batting style can prove useful for India on Australia’s fast and bouncy wickets.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy played between India and Australia is one of the most prestigious Test series in the cricket world. There is tough competition and high level cricket between the two teams. For India, this series is important not only in terms of the World Test Championship, but also an opportunity to show the depth and flexibility of the team.
Rohit Sharma’s absence in the first Test is a challenge for the team, but Jasprit Bumrah’s captaincy and KL Rahul’s return to fitness will strengthen the team’s confidence. Giving a chance to young players like Devdutt Padikkal will not only provide depth to the team, but it is also important for future prospects. The Indian team is all set to give its best performance in Perth and all eyes will be on this exciting Test series.
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