IND vs AUS: Veteran Indian batter and skipper of the Indian test side, Rohit Sharma, might miss a few of the opening matches in the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy owing to personal reasons. Reports suggest that Sharma has communicated his situation to the BCCI, though nothing has been made official from their end. The Indian team is scheduled to feature in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which will be held from the 22nd of November, with the first test at Perth. Rohit is currently under a busy red-ball schedule, as he has currently featured in a two-match test series against Bangladesh and will also be seen gearing up to lead the Indian side against the Kiwis this October. If Rohit can resolve his issue before the BGT, then he might feature in all of the matches of the series, while if not, then Abhimanyu Easwaran, who is supposed to lead the India A team, might be brought in to replace the Indian opener. However, the team has the likes of Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, who have extensive experience in taking over the role of an opener in the absence of their skipper. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rohit Sharma?s recent form in red-ball cricket </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/10/Disappinting-form-for-the-Indian-skipper.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-148473" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rohit Sharma struggled with the bat against Bangladesh (Image Credit: myKhel)</figcaption></figure>



After, Sharma recently helped India begin their quest for the third consecutive WTC final in 2025 with a comfortable win over Bangladesh with a 2-0 victory. Though this time around his form saw a major dip, as he averaged 10.50, though he was India?s best-ranked ICC test batter before the start of the series. India is at the top of the points table of the WTC, as his next assignment begins on the 16th of October with a three-match test series against New Zealand. With this home series, Sharma would be in the quest to restore his stunning form in red-ball cricket to mark his commanding presence in the BGT before he sets foot on Australian soil to secure a hat-trick of wins on Australian soil. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rohit Sharma?s role in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy</h2>



The Indian skipper would be a very vital player for the Men in Blue in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Rohit?s ability on the back foot is what makes him a very important asset to the Indian team on Australian soil. Rohit is one of the finest players of a short ball, as he can be identified as the finest player of the pull shot, following the trademark of the great Aussie batter and skipper Ricky Ponting. Also, his aggressive intent is what hands his team a perfect start at the top of the order. The record for Rohit Sharma in Australia does not look great by his standards, as he has 408 runs scored over 7 Tests at an average of 31.38 without a century. However, when the Indian team in the WTC is considered, Rohit has been their highest scorer, with the most hundreds scored as well. 



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/womens-t20-world-cup-2024-chances-of-india-womens-qualification-into-the-semi-finals-all-scenarios-explained/">Women?s T20 World Cup 2024: Chances of India Women?s Qualification into the Semi-finals: All scenarios explained</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who can be Rohit?s deputy for the role of Indian skipper?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/10/Bumrah-or-Pant-1024x534.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-148472" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jasprit Bumrah or Rishabh Pant might be Rohit's deputy in the upcoming BGT (Image Credit: Cricket Times)</figcaption></figure>



Since there was no official player in the role of vice-captain of the Test team, India currently has no deputy player in the role in the longer format of the game against Bangladesh. However, many such players have been considered for the role, while they have the likes of Shubman Gill, India?s deputy across all other white-ball formats. While experienced hats like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jasprit_Bumrah">Jasprit Bumrah</a> and Rishabh Pant are also placed into the side, who can be considered for such a role? "I wouldn't look at them as youngsters anymore. Yes, they are youngsters in terms of age and the amount of cricket they have played. But, I think overall, mentally and in their development as a cricketer, I think they have the leadership qualities that are required. You don't need to have a vice-captain that should be designated," claimed Abhishek Nayar on assigning the role of vice-captain to some player in the Indian team.

IND vs AUS: No Hitman in BGT!! Reports speculate that Indian skipper Rohit Sharma might miss a few matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy; search over deputy continues||

IND vs AUS: No Hitman in BGT!! Reports speculate that Indian skipper Rohit Sharma might miss a few matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy; search over deputy continues

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IND vs AUS Border-Gavaskar Trophy: India is all set to tour the Aussie island for a five-match series in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, named after the two legends of the game from both nations. India will tour Australia for a red-ball series after a three-year break in 2021, where India emerged the proud winners, while the series this time is scheduled from 22nd November at every iconic venue in Australia. The BCCI earlier this week announced the squad for the Indian travel that will travel to Australia for the BGT. Some notable omissions, along with some very fresh recruits, took the cricketing world by surprise. 



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 Last time India visited Australia, they included the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and Shardul Thakur, who have been left out this time despite Pujara being in the best of forms with the bat both in the Ranji Trophy and the County Championship this season. Senior pacer <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammad_Shami">Mohammad Shami</a> is not yet available based on his recovery schedule from an injury he faced during the World Cup back in 2023. In his absence, the Indian pace deck will be led by ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah, as he will have the likes of Mohammad Siraj, Akash Deep, and Harshit Rana alongside him, none of whom have played a single red-ball match in the country. Raising questions on the same, former Indian selector for the BCCI back in 2020, Sunil Joshi slammed the selectors with harsh words over ignoring experience for such a vital series en route to the WTC. 



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ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-nz-kane-williamson-was-ruled-out-of-the-third-test-while-the-uncapped-pacer-has-been-drafted-into-indias-squad-for-the-third-wankhede-test/">IND vs NZ: Kane Williamson was ruled out of the third test, while the uncapped pacer has been drafted into India?s squad for the Third Wankhede Test</a> He directly took names of players, as he mentioned the likes of Shardul Thakur and T Natrajan among the players who could have had the experience India needed under such conditions. Alongside Pant, he also had the backs of Pujara and Hanuma Vihari, once an Indian player who had been left out of the squad for a long time now. His faith in the likes of Shardul Thakur, Pujara, and Natrajan?s experience seemed far more compelling than the inclusion of youngsters in Harshit Rana, NK Reddy, and lastly, promising batter Abhimanyu Easwaran.



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-aus-border-gavaskar-trophy-with-steven-smith-destined-to-be-back-at-no-4-these-players-are-auditioning-for-the-opening-spot-in-the-australian-11/">IND vs AUS Border-Gavaskar Trophy: With Steven Smith destined to be back at No. 4, these players are auditioning for the opening spot in the Australian 11</a>

IND vs AUS Border-Gavaskar Trophy: ?Pujara, Shardul, and Natrajan, gone birds for India selection? Former Indian selector slams BCCI over inexperienced squad selection for the BGT 2024-25

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IND vs AUS: India?s campaign at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a highly anticipated contest, especially with the loss faced in the home test series against New Zealand. India would now be in the quest to secure a 4-0 victory in the BGT. The first test which is scheduled for the 22nd of November, will be held in Perth. The Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has not conveyed anything as of now, while Rohit revealed that he is unsure of continuing in the initial one or two BGT games owing to personal reasons. Instead of the skipper, promising Indian opener <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abhimanyu_Easwaran">Abhimanyu Easwaran</a> has been added as an optional opener. However, great Indian cricketer, Sunil Gavaskar has shed light that in case Rohit Sharma misses out on the first test, Bumrah who has been seen as his deputy should step in as the skipper not only for the First test but the entire series. 



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 Detailed analysis says, that the new skipper would be under extreme scrutiny and pressure ahead of the first test, especially with the players down on morale due to their loss in the home series. Keeping Bumrah a skipper for all five matches would give him his dependency back. ?I have been reading that Rohit Sharma might not play the first two Tests of the Australia series. I feel that, in that case, the selection committee should appoint Jasprit Bumrah the captain of the side for the entire Australia tour, and tell Rohit Sharma that you will participate as a player in this series. For the first Test match, Rohit Sharma has to be there,? he added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Gavaskar?s blunt remark on India can?t beat Australia 4-0 in the BGT </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/11/Sunil-Gavaskar-New-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-149252" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sunil Gavaskar doubts India's chances to secure 4-0 victory at the BGT (Image Credit: Crictoday)</figcaption></figure>



India who are in need of securing a 4-0 victory in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, to fancy their chances properly into the World Test Championship. Gavaskar feels that the visitors won?t be able to advance comfortably with such results. However, the players should still focus on beating the Aussies and creating a unique record in the history of the BGT. ?No, I don?t. I actually don?t. India cannot beat Australia 4-0 in the Test series. If they do that, I would be over the moon if they do that. But 4-0. India can win 3-1, 4-0 is, don?t talk about the World Test Championship final. Now just focus on trying to win the series in Australia. Never mind whether you win 1-0, 2-0, 3-0, 3-1, 2-1. But go and win. Because that is how all of us Indian cricket fans are going to be back to feeling good again,? Gavaskar concluded.



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-aus-border-gavaskar-trophy-pujara-shardul-and-natrajan-gone-birds-for-india-selection-former-indian-selector-slams-bcci-over-inexperienced-squad-selection-for-the-bgt-2024/">IND vs AUS Border-Gavaskar Trophy: ?Pujara, Shardul, and Natrajan, gone birds for India selection? Former Indian selector slams BCCI over inexperienced squad selection for the BGT 2024-25</a>

IND vs AUS: Former Indian great backs veteran pacer as India Test Captain for the entire Border-Gavaskar Trophy replacing Rohit Sharma seeking initial absence|

IND vs AUS: Former Indian great backs veteran pacer as India Test Captain for the entire Border-Gavaskar Trophy replacing Rohit Sharma seeking initial absence

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IND vs AUS 1st Test: The all-hyped India vs Australia test series is just a couple of days away, but the dilemma for the Indian side to pick the opening partner of Yashasvi Jaiswal is still up. Here, in this post, we will walk you through the possible opening options for India for the IND vs AUS 1st Test.



The Perth Stadium is all set to host the first test of the five-match test series between India and Australia. The market of predictions and expectations is on the heat and between all that, the Indian team dealt a blow of Shubman Gill getting ruled out of the first test due to the fracture in his finger.



Yashasvi Jaiswal is holding one end and the concerns are for his partner. Rohit Sharma, the Indian skipper is currently not available for the first test so BCCI was pretty aware of the situation and added a couple of opening options in the squad.



One of the options is Abhimanyu Easwaran, KL Rahul is the other one, and last but not least, the team can land a surprising partner of Jaiswal.



Let's take a look at all the options available one by one:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Jaiswal's Partner to Open in the IND vs AUS 1st Test</h2>



1- Abhimanyu Easwaran: A Dehradun-born brilliant young talent with skyscrapers of runs and stats. His bat has mounted some big runs in first-class cricket and he has got his chance here in Australia. His First Class average is just below 50 with the highest score of 233.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2021/07/Abhimanyu-Easwaran.jpg" alt="IND vs ENG: Cheteshwar Pujara to RETURN, 3 Players who can replace Virat Kohli for India vs England test" class="wp-image-65386" /></figure>



He has scored three big hundreds in his last eight innings, but his form has been lost in his last four innings in Australia. In two warm-up matches between India A and Australia A, his scores were 7 &amp; 12, and 0 &amp; 17 which is raising concerns. However, he is most likely to open with Jaiswal in the IND vs AUS 1st Test.



2- <a href="https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/kl-rahul-422108">KL Rahul</a>: In the press conference before the tour, Gambhir indicated about this option as well when he said, ?He?s kept wickets in One-Day format as well. So, imagine how many countries have players like KL who can actually open the batting and can bat at No. 6 as well? I feel that if need be, he can do the job for us. Especially if Rohit is not available for the first Test.?



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2021/08/KL-Rahul-in-Test.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" class="wp-image-66503" /></figure>



Keeping these things aside, KL Rahul doesn't have that good numbers in Australia. In the five matches he has played in Australia, his batting average is 20 which includes a century as well. However, he is a quality player and he can handle the swinging ball at the top, which makes him a good contender to open.



3- Rishabh Pant: The chances are negative for this selection but Rishabh Pant has opened the innings for India in the test format in the past and he can do it in Australia as well. But, the head coach Gautam Gambhir likes a left-hand-right-hand combination so this may be his least likely choice to open with.



4- Virat Kohli: No team would want to put their best weapon in the frontline when the opponent is Australia so this option is also not likely to happen but Gautam Gambhir may consider him as an option.



Nevertheless, Abhimanyu Easwaran is most likely to be the opening partner of Yashasvi Jaiswal and India's playing11 could be:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">India's Probable Playing11</h2>



Abhimanyu Easwaran, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah (C), Siraj, Akash Deep.



READ:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ind-vs-aus-former-indian-captain-sheds-light-on-rohits-expected-return-as-team-india-is-in-need-of-leadership-at-the-border-gavaskar-trophy-2024-25/"> IND vs AUS: Former Indian captain sheds light on Rohit?s expected return as Team India is in need of leadership at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25</a>

Who Could Partner Jaiswal to Open in the IND vs AUS 1st Test? Indepth Analysis!

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Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who missed the first test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has been in the buzz ever since the beginning of the series. The World Cup-winning skipper, who was largely praised earlier in 2024 for having led the Indian side to a World Cup final and then winning a T20 World Cup, has faced serious criticism for his tactical decisions as well as leadership roles alongside his batting performances, which have been under scrutiny. 

The Indian batter has been under the radar since India’s 3-0 loss at home against New Zealand. The disappointing series has also raised discussions about the team’s overall batting depth and approach, placing additional scrutiny on his role within the squad.

<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rohit_Sharma">Rohit Sharma</a> skipped the first Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth due to the birth of his second child. Jasprit Bumrah stepped up as the stand-in captain in his absence and led the team to an impressive victory. Bumrah’s leadership was widely praised, as ever since then, India has failed to put on a promising show in any of the matches that followed.

<h2 dir="ltr">3 reasons why Rohit Sharma should retire from Test cricket</h2>

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Is it time for Rohit Sharma to drop the curtains on his glorious career? (Image Credit: X)

<h3 dir="ltr">1: Inconsistent Performances</h3>

The legendary Indian opener, who has had a decorated career in limited-overs cricket, has never been equally promising while facing the red ball. However, the ongoing WTC marked some solid test performances from Rohit initially under home conditions as he turned into one of India’s leading run-getters before facing a serious dip in form. 

Though Sharma has been a consistent performer, mostly at home, he has often failed to perform in the SENA countries against top-quality bowling attacks. However, as of now, his inconsistency seems to be severely affecting the team’s overall performance in vital matches. 

<h3 dir="ltr">2: No impact in the leadership role in Tests</h3>

Though Rohit Sharma remains only the third Indian skipper to have won an ICC trophy with the side and his captaincy has received widespread recognition in the limited overs format, he has not had an impact in the longest format of the game. 

Sharma has often looked baffled and clueless over decisions to be made when it came to tactical presence for the longest format of the game, and possibly letting go of the role might help him focus on limited-overs cricket and the team to explore other players in a leadership role. 

<h3 dir="ltr">3: Opportunities for Emerging Players</h3>

Undoubtedly, India is one of the biggest powerhouse nations for cricketing talent, and letting go of a player like Rohit Sharma who is in his lows after having relished his decade-long career would only open new doors for such talented players to come in and portray their dominance in the longest format while representing India at the international front.

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/-rohit-thank-you-for-your-service-massive-statement-comes-on-india-retirement-/">Thank You for your service Rohit, massive statement on Indian skipper's retirement speculation</a>

Skipper under scrutiny - Reasons Rohit Sharma should retire from Test cricket (Image Credit: X)

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who missed the first test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has been in the buzz ever since the beginning of the series.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has faced serious criticism for his tactical decisions as well as leadership roles alongside his batting performances, which have been under scrutiny

Three reasons why Rohit Sharma should retire from Test cricket

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The fifth and final test between India and Australia started on Friday at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The first day has completed, but the biggest story is the Indian captain, Rohit Sharma. The 37-year-old opted to sit out for the final test, and Jasprit Bumrah led in his absence.
His decision has raised concerns over his future in the Indian test team as he is also going through a very bad phase with the bat. However, according to some media reports, Rohit has played his last test for India at the MCG and might not return in white. The report from Indian Express indicates that selectors are looking beyond Rohit in test cricket.
There are chances that the Indian captain might announce his retirement after the ongoing SCG test. If it happens, India need someone to bat at the top or replace him. Here we will talk about three possible replacements for Rohit Sharma in tests.
<h2>Three Players who can replace Rohit Sharma in whites if he retires after the SCG test</h2>
1. Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill started as an opener in tests but shifted to no. 3 after India dropped Cheteshwar Pujara. But his numbers at no. 3 haven't done justice to his decision. India might need someone solid at the top, and Gill presents that technique. He can shift to the top of the order if Rohit retires from tests. He will give India a right-hand and left-hand option at the top with Yashasvi Jaiswal.
2. Abhimanyu Easwaran
Just like many Indian stars, Abhimanyu Easwaran is another name that has been knocking on the door of the Indian test side for the last couple of years now. He has been included in the squad many times but is still looking to get his maiden cap. He is a prolific scorer at the domestic level and is a gifted top-order batter. If given a chance, he can be a solid top-order batter. India can groom him into a good option to replace Rohit Sharma.
3. Nitish Kumar Reddy
This could be an out-of-the-box choice, but Nitish Kumar Reddy has certainly shown great composure for India in the ongoing BGT series. He has scored 294 runs at an average of 42 and is the third highest scorer in the series. He has shown that he has good technique to handle the bounce and pace. Currently, Reddy batting at no. 8 is not ideal for a talented batter like him. Just like Sam Konstas for Australia, he can be a fearless top-order batter if given a chance.

Rohit Sharma was dropped from the playing XI for the fifth and final test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

3 Players who can replace Rohit Sharma at the top if he announces his retirement after the SCG Test

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Pakistan dropped Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the T20I squad for New Zealand, prioritizing aggressive batting. Their low strike rates prompted this shift, with Salman Ali Agha leading a revamped, fearless squad.

Is the Pakistan Team Moving Past Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in T20I?

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India has had an exemplary record in the finals of ICC tournaments, with the 2025 Champions Trophy final awaited.

Trivia of India’s record in the Finals of ICC events over the years ft. 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final

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UP vs Mumbai WPL: In the second match of the Lucknow leg of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025, the UP Warriorz will play the Mumbai Indians on March 6 at 7:30 PM IST. A loss would put the Warriorz in danger of elimination.

UP vs Mumbai WPL: When and Where to watch the WPL match between UP Warriorz & Mumbai Indians in India?

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India and New Zealand will square off in the grand finale of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on March 9 at 2:30 PM in Dubai. The competition has reached its final stage.  Both teams have earned their spot in the championship match after fierce league play and the semifinals.  Find out everything you need to know about the match schedule, location, teams, and live-streaming options.

abhimanyu easwaran