The 3-match Test series between India and New Zealand is set to begin next week. The first Test match will be played in Bengaluru from October 16, followed by the second and third Test matches starting on October 24 and November 1, respectively. After this Test series, Team India will depart for Australia for the Border-Gavaskar series, which is scheduled to begin on November 22 in Perth. However, ahead of this series, Team India has faced a major setback, with reports suggesting that the Indian captain might miss the first Test match.
The Indian team will head to Australia next month, and there is a possibility that Rohit Sharma may miss either the first or second Test (scheduled from December 6-10) in Adelaide. A BCCI source, speaking anonymously to PTI, mentioned that nothing is confirmed yet. It is believed that Rohit has informed the BCCI that due to a personal matter, he might have to miss one of the initial two Test matches of the series.
Will the team miss the captain?
The source added that if Rohit’s personal matters are resolved before the series begins, he could play all five Test matches. More clarity on the situation is expected in the coming days. Rohit, aged 37, played both home Test matches against Bangladesh. India will now host New Zealand for a three-match Test series starting from October 16.
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If Rohit is unable to play the Test matches in Australia, in-form Abhimanyu Easwaran may get an opportunity, although Shubman Gill and KL Rahul are also experienced players for the opening slot. Easwaran will also be in Australia with the India A team, which he will be leading. However, there is no information about who will be the vice-captain of the Test team, as there was no official vice-captain during the recent home series against Bangladesh in Rohit’s absence.