Sat Nov 16 17:18:29 IST 2024: ## Rohit Sharma Welcomes Baby Boy, Perth Test Appearance Uncertain
**Mumbai, November 16, 2024** – Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has become a father for the second time, welcoming a baby boy with his wife Ritika Sajdeh on Friday night. While the joyous occasion is celebrated, Sharma’s participation in the first Test against Australia in Perth, starting November 22nd, remains uncertain.
Sharma remained in India as his wife was expecting, missing the team’s departure. With less than a week until the match, his availability hinges on his immediate travel to Australia and subsequent performance in limited practice sessions. Coach Gautam Gambhir expressed hope for Sharma’s participation.
The Indian team’s top order is currently fragile, and Sharma’s presence as both captain and opening batsman is highly desired. His recent form has been inconsistent, but he’s still considered a significant upgrade over current alternatives. Abhimanyu Easwaran has struggled against bounce and seam, and K.L. Rahul is nursing a minor elbow injury. Neither has convincingly cemented a spot alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Congratulations poured in from fellow cricketers, including Suryakumar Yadav, who celebrated India’s T20I series win over South Africa while also extending best wishes to Sharma for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
First Piper 