In Rohit's absence, Jasprit Bumrah was confirmed as captain and appeared for a pre-series photoshoot with the opposition captain Pat Cummins, also attending the press conference.
There has been no official statement on him from the BCCI yet, but it is widely understood that he's stayed back in India for the birth of his second child. A report on Cricbuzz states that Rohit could land in Perth on the 24th, the third day of the Test.
Rohit also had to miss the first two Tests of India's last tour to Australia in 2020/21 after undergoing rehabilitation for a hamstring injury. He returned to open in the last two Tests, scoring 26, 52, 44 and 7.
Along with Gill, there's also a question mark on India's first-choice No.3 Shubman Gill, who suffered a thumb injury ahead of the Perth Test. With India officially adding Devdutt Padikkal to the Test squad, it further indicates that Gill may not be fit to occupy the No.3 spot.
Pacers usually thrive at the Optus Stadium, and Australia's seamers have dominated in Perth so far.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) November 20, 2024
Can they keep the upper hand against India in the first Test? 🤔
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The India squad has Abhimanyu Easwaran as the back-up opener, but reports suggest that he could make way for KL Rahul at the top, as the preferred option to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.
The first Test is scheduled to end on the 26th, with the second Test beginning December 6, giving Rohit plenty of time to get adjusted. He would be aiming to take part in India's tour match against Prime Minister's XI at Canberra starting the 30th, sandwiched between the first and second Test.
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