Rohit Sharma Welcomes Baby Boy; India’s Test Preparations Intensify Ahead of Australia Series
India captain Rohit Sharma had a momentous Friday as he and his wife, Ritika Sajdeh, celebrated the arrival of their baby boy. This heartwarming personal milestone brings added joy to the Sharma family and raises hopes of Rohit joining the Indian team in time for the first Test against Australia in Perth, starting November 22. Rohit’s presence would not only bolster India’s batting lineup but also provide vital leadership in the high-stakes series.
India’s preparations for the series, however, remain a work in progress. The search for a consistent opening partner for Yashasvi Jaiswal continues, with contenders struggling to make a significant impact. During the opening day of a three-day match simulation at the WACA, the lack of clarity on the opening combination persisted.
The team suffered another setback when KL Rahul, who was expected to open alongside Jaiswal, sustained an injury to his right elbow from a rising delivery early in the practice match. Although initial reports suggest that the injury is not serious, Rahul did not return to the field for the remainder of the day’s play.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, who had undergone scans on Thursday, put fitness concerns to rest as he batted without discomfort during the simulation. Kohli’s recovery is a positive development for India, given his importance in anchoring the middle order.
Even if Rohit Sharma is unavailable for the first Test, India has backup options for the opening slot. Abhimanyu Easwaran, a specialist opener, is part of the squad and could partner Jaiswal. Additionally, Shubman Gill, who has experience as an opener and was instrumental in India’s historic 2020-21 series win in Australia, remains a reliable option. Gill’s memorable 91 in the Brisbane Test is still fresh in the minds of fans and selectors alike.
India’s practice sessions at the Perth Stadium have been challenging, with the batters finding it difficult to negotiate the pace and bounce generated by Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Prasidh Krishna. Jaiswal, Kohli, Gill, and Rishabh Pant all struggled initially but showed improvement as the day progressed. Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 58 during his second stint, while Gill contributed a composed 42.
The top-order’s form remains a concern following India’s underwhelming performance in their recent home series against New Zealand. The team suffered a 3-0 defeat, with senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli managing only one half-century between them across six innings. These struggles have heightened the focus on India’s batting lineup ahead of the challenging series against Australia.
Adding to the intensity of the preparations, head coach Rahul Dravid has emphasized the importance of adaptability and resilience against Australia’s world-class pace attack, led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. The team has been practicing on fast, bouncy tracks to simulate the conditions they are likely to face in Perth.
Rohit’s return to the squad, if it happens, will not only strengthen the batting order but also provide a morale boost to a team looking to regain momentum. As India gears up for the first Test, the spotlight remains on the team’s ability to bounce back and deliver a strong performance against a formidable Australian side. The Sharma family’s joyous news, combined with the team’s rigorous preparations, adds a layer of optimism as India eyes a successful start to the series.
