Jasprit Bumrah to Lead India in Perth as Rohit Sharma Opts Out of First Test

Jasprit Bumrah is set to captain India for the second time in his career during the series-opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth, starting Friday. The development comes after regular skipper Rohit Sharma informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the team management, and selectors that he would be unavailable due to personal reasons.  

Rohit, who stayed back in Mumbai for the birth of his second child last week, officially communicated his decision on Sunday, putting an end to speculation about his possible arrival in Perth. While the star batter was initially expected to join the squad in time, he has chosen to spend additional time with his family.  

Rohit is expected to link up with the team in Adelaide ahead of their two-day, day-night warm-up match at the end of November. His return would likely strengthen the Indian lineup for the second Test.  

Bumrah, who previously captained India during a Test match in England in 2022, will step up in Rohit’s absence. His leadership role was reinstated during the recent home series against New Zealand when he was named vice-captain, anticipating such situations.  

The absence of Rohit also disrupts India’s opening combination, as Yashasvi Jaiswal, playing his first series in Australia, will need a new partner. Since his Test debut in July 2023, Jaiswal has shared the crease with Rohit in 14 consecutive matches. 

• KL Rahul, who demonstrated full fitness by batting for an hour during a practice session at the WACA on Sunday, is expected to open with Jaiswal.

Meanwhile, the middle order could also see changes, with Dhruv Jurel potentially stepping in at No. 3. Jurel’s selection would fill the void left by Shubman Gill, who has been ruled out of the Perth Test due to injury.  

The BCCI has yet to officially announce the unavailability of both Rohit and Gill, but the likely changes in the lineup have already drawn attention.  

The Perth Test marks a crucial start for India as they seek to continue their dominance over Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Under Bumrah’s leadership and with a restructured batting order, India will look to adapt swiftly to the challenge of playing Down Under.