Sun Nov 17 04:28:22 UTC 2024: ## Ganguly Urges Rohit Sharma to Join India’s Test Squad Despite Recent Fatherhood
**Perth, Australia –** Former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly has publicly called on India captain Rohit Sharma to join the team for the first Test against Australia, despite the recent birth of his second child. Sharma’s wife gave birth to a baby boy on Friday, leading to uncertainty about his participation in the match starting November 22nd in Perth.
Sharma informed the BCCI he might miss the first Test due to the timing of the birth, and his absence has left the team scrambling for a replacement opener. The situation is further complicated by a potential absence of young batsman Shubman Gill, who fractured his thumb during a practice match.
Ganguly, however, believes Sharma’s leadership is crucial for the series. “I hope Rohit goes soon as the team needs leadership,” Ganguly stated in an interview with RevSportz. “If I was in his position, he should be playing the first Test. It’s a big series and the match is still a week away.” He expressed confidence that Sharma could quickly travel to Australia.
The Indian team is facing a potential opening batting crisis. Besides Sharma and Gill’s uncertain availability, KL Rahul, another experienced opener, sustained an elbow injury during a practice match and is currently sidelined. Abhimanyu Easwaran remains a potential replacement but had a lackluster performance in recent India A matches.
While Sharma’s participation remains unconfirmed, his return would significantly boost India’s chances in the crucial first Test against Australia.
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