Former Indian batsman Mohammad Kaif hopes that the current test captain Rohit Sharma will certainly lead his team in the first match of the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 starting on November 22 in Perth.
However, Rohit Sharma and his wife were recently blessed with a baby boy on Friday (November 15) night, and amidst the auspicious event, his availability remains uncertain. Consequently, the 37-year-old batsman didn’t catch a flight to Australia along with his teammates and coaching staff. Rather, he decided to continue his training sessions in Mumbai to maintain his fitness levels.
Recently, the team’s head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that the vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will take over the captaincy role for the series opener in Rohit’s absence.
After a 0-3 whitewash in-home test series against New Zealand, the World Test Championship (WTC) finals 2025 qualification hopes for Team India remain in jeopardy. Achieving a victory in all five test matches of the BGT series is the only hope left for Rohit Sharma and his men to make successful progress into their third consecutive final.
Also, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket) hasn’t provided any update regarding the captain’s participation in the Perth test.
Mohammad Kaif Expects Rohit Sharma to reach Perth ahead of India vs Australia 1st Test 2024
Speaking on a recent YouTube video, Mohammed Kaif expects the Indian captain to play the first test in Perth by saying neither BCCI nor Rohit Sharma confirmed his absence :
“That’s right! Rohit Sharma is keen to lead Team India in the first game that’s why the Indian cricket board hasn’t excluded him from the contest. Moreover, he is determined to play, and his absence isn’t confirmed.
He is aware of India’s 3-0 loss to New Zealand. We know that he isn’t a leader who escapes away when his team is facing back-to-back defeats. He is one of the greatest captains who enjoys taking responsibility.
Rohit Sharma Waiting for Situations to get in control: Says Mohammad Kaif
Furthermore, Mohammed Kaif provided clarity on why Rohit Sharma hasn’t provided any confirmation about his presence in the first test:
“See! Rohit Sharma is anxious and waits for the situation to get settled at home. Mainly, he and his pregnant wife are excited for their second child. Possibly, he will travel to Perth if everything works out as he had hoped for. That is the main reason why he hasn’t confirmed if he would be available for the first test or not,” Kaif said.
Mohammad Kaif’s Support Despite Rohit Sharma’s Poor Form in 2024
Even after not being in his best form in test cricket batting at the opening spot, Rohit Sharma receives huge support from Mohammad Kaif. Although he scored two centuries in the 5-match test series against England this year, his form dipped after winning the T20 World Cup 2024. The Hitman in recent times, managed to score just a half-century, which includes an overall 133 runs scored out of 10 innings played against Bangladesh and New Zealand, and his scores are tabulated below:
| Opponent team | Match | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings |
| Bangladesh (2 Test Matches) | 1st Match | 6 runs out of 19 balls played — 1 four | 5 runs out of balls played — 1 four |
| 2nd Match | 23 runs out of11 balls played— 1 four and 3 sixes | 8 runs out of 7 balls played — 1 four | |
| New Zealand (3 Test Matches) | 1st Match | 2 runs out of 16 balls played | 52 runs out of 63 balls played — 8 fours and 1 six |
| 2nd Match | 0 out of 9 balls played | 8 runs out of 16 balls played— 1 four | |
| 3rd Match | 18 runs from 18 balls played— 3 fours | 11 runs from 11 balls played— 2 fours |
The above scores in the recent test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand highlight the fact that despite Rohit showing an aggressive approach in scoring runs, his strike rate has been less than 65, which isn’t acceptable in test cricket. This is one of the prime reasons why Kaif believes that Rohit is completely aware of his responsibilities following his poor form in India’s humiliating loss to New Zealand.
Overall Opinion:
By securing a convincing victory in the first test, Team India could gain positive momentum for their next four games. In addition, Rohit Sharma’s presence throughout the series will enhance his team members’ confidence under pressurized moments. Notably, the Hitman’s record has been impressive in Australia by scoring 408 runs in seven test innings at 31.38 average.
However, the BCCI has planned to arrange for the captain’s instant departure by offering their support and encouragement for his pivotal role in the team. As less than a week’s time is left for the first test match to commence, Rohit and his wife Ritika have welcomed a new child ahead of the expected time. Possibly, there are chances for the Indian captain to join his teammates ahead of the Perth Test.
Rohit Sharma’s mastery of pull and hook shots as an opener will be vital for his team to tackle the tough bowling attack that comprises Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood.
Most importantly, the Australians were never whitewashed in any of their home test series in red-ball cricket history so far. Overall, Kaif believes that Rohit’s batting and captaincy skills combined with his experience will bolster India’s strategy to achieve a historical clean sweep of 5-0 against a dominant team like Australia.
