Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has emphasized the importance of Rohit Sharma leading the Indian team in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth. Ganguly believes Rohit’s presence is crucial for the team’s success in the high-stakes series. Rohit, who recently became a father for the second time, is expected to miss the opening Test to spend time with his family.
However, Ganguly insists that the skipper should prioritize the series and join the team soon. Speaking to RevSportz, he stated, “If I were in Rohit’s position, I would have played the Perth Test. The series is significant, and India needs his leadership to begin with.”
Ganguly also hinted that this could be Rohit’s last tour to Australia, underscoring the need for the captain to make his presence felt from the start. The first Test is scheduled for November 22, giving Rohit some time to balance family commitments and team responsibilities.
Rohit’s Reluctance to Captain in Tests
Ganguly revealed an interesting backstory about Rohit Sharma’s journey to becoming India’s Test captain. When Virat Kohli stepped down as Test skipper in January 2022, Rohit was initially hesitant to take up the role due to the workload from leading in other formats. Ganguly admitted he had to persuade Rohit, stressing that a player of his caliber should not end his career without leading in Test cricket.
“I told him, ‘Don’t finish your career without being India’s Test captain,’” Ganguly said. Since taking over, Rohit has proved to be an able leader, and Ganguly is not surprised by his achievements.
The Litmus Test for India and Rohit
The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be a critical series for both Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Following a disappointing home series against New Zealand, India must secure a 4-0 victory in Australia to qualify for the World Test Championship final without relying on other results.
The series opener in Perth will be followed by matches in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. The second Test in Adelaide will be a day-night affair played with a pink ball. While Rohit is likely to miss the first Test, he is expected to be available for the subsequent matches, starting with Adelaide. Ganguly’s remarks highlight the high stakes of the series and the critical role Rohit’s leadership will play in achieving India’s objectives.
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