Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes Rohit Sharma will be eager to join the India squad in Australia for their Border-Gavaskar Trophy series opener in Perth, once personal matters at home resolve as he awaits the birth of his child. Although speculation has risen around Rohit’s availability for the first Test, scheduled for November 21, Kaif is confident that Rohit will be motivated to lead the side in this crucial series as India fights to secure a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final.
India is heading into the Border-Gavaskar series with a dent in confidence, having recently been whitewashed at home by New Zealand in a Test series. However, a strong performance against Australia could still see them seal a WTC Final berth. Kaif, in a recent YouTube video, emphasized that despite challenges at home, Rohit’s sense of responsibility and commitment as captain will likely drive him to be with his teammates as soon as possible.
“The thought will be there in Rohit Sharma’s mind. His absence isn’t confirmed because he does want to play. He knows that India have just lost 3-0 (to New Zealand), and he is the leader. He is not the kind of leader who runs away when the team is not performing well,” Kaif said.
“He is waiting for situations get better at home, with his wife who is pregnant, and as soon as that happens, I am telling you, he will reach Perth. That is why he has not yet confirmed that he will be out for the first Test,” Kaif added.
Although Rohit has not traveled with the team to Australia, he has been training individually in Mumbai to maintain his fitness. Reports suggest he may still make it in time for the first Test in Perth if personal matters are resolved. The BCCI is also prepared to arrange for Rohit’s departure at short notice, indicating their support and recognition of his critical role.
Rohit on Australian soil
Rohit’s Test record in Australia reflects a mix of promising starts and challenges in converting them into big scores. Across seven matches on Australian soil, he has accumulated 408 runs with an average of 31.38. His best performance came in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar series, where his composed 52 at the Sydney Cricket Ground helped India secure a draw, showcasing his ability to steady the innings under pressure.
Against a fierce Australian bowling lineup of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, Rohit’s mastery of his signature hook and pull shots will be key for India. Kaif believes that once Rohit joins, his experience and batting skills will be instrumental in India’s pursuit of victory over a strong Australian side.
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