Rohit Sharma press conference today after losing IND vs NZ 3rd Test match at Mumbai

Courtesy: BCCI

Rohit Sharma, Captain of Indian Cricket Team addressed a press conference at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai after the third and final match of the IDFC First Bank Test Series against New Zealand.

India's captain Rohit Sharma has raised uncertainty over his participation in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia following India’s disappointing 0-3 series defeat to New Zealand in Mumbai. Sharma, speaking at a press conference after the third Test loss, stated that personal reasons may prevent him from traveling to Perth for the first Test, scheduled to begin on November 22.

In a candid moment, Rohit expressed his doubts, saying, "Not sure whether I will be going, fingers crossed." If he is unavailable, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah is set to take over the leadership role, with Abhimanyu Easwaran likely to be called up as his replacement.

India’s Preparation for Border-Gavaskar Trophy Amid Defeat

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy holds significant weight for both India and Australia as they compete for a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. However, India’s loss to New Zealand at home has cast shadows on their form and exposed various areas for improvement.

"We made a lot of mistakes, and we will have to accept it,” Rohit admitted when addressing the series loss. Reflecting on India’s shortcomings, particularly in the batting department, he added, “We didn’t put enough runs on the board in the first innings, which set us back in each game. Even here in Mumbai, after gaining a 30-run lead, we needed to capitalize. The target was achievable, but we had to do better.”

Batting Struggles and Praise for Youngsters

Rohit Sharma acknowledged his own struggles with the bat throughout the series, conceding that he had been unable to fully execute his game plans. As both captain and player, his form was far from the high standards he usually sets, adding, "I was not at my best with both bat and as a captain. That’s something that will rankle me."

Despite India’s struggles, Rohit had words of encouragement for the young batsmen Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, who adapted well to the challenging spin-friendly conditions New Zealand presented. He praised their proactive approach and resilience, suggesting they could be key figures for India as they adjust to the high-stakes Test series in Australia.

The Road Ahead: Jasprit Bumrah as Potential Stand-In Captain

If Rohit indeed misses the series opener, Bumrah is likely to take up the captaincy mantle for the first time in a major Test series. Known for his bowling prowess, Bumrah’s leadership could offer a fresh perspective, though it will also test his ability to balance captaincy with his responsibilities as India’s lead pacer.

The possibility of Rohit’s absence introduces additional challenges for India, especially as the team looks to recover from their recent losses and regain momentum on Australian soil. Abhimanyu Easwaran, who is expected to be Rohit's cover, will also have a crucial role if called upon, particularly given the conditions and pressure associated with a high-profile series in Australia.

Looking Ahead to the Series

With the first Test less than three weeks away, India's preparations have intensified, with a focus on rectifying the issues exposed in the New Zealand series. While questions remain around Rohit Sharma's availability, the team is hopeful to start the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on a strong note, aiming to repeat their recent successes on Australian soil and strengthen their WTC standing.

India will look to regroup and refocus with the support of its experienced players and promising young talent. Whether or not Rohit leads the team in Perth, his words serve as both a rallying cry and a reminder that consistent, collective performances are crucial to achieving success on the road ahead.

If Rohit cannot participate, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah is expected to lead the squad. Known for his aggressive bowling, Bumrah has previous captaincy experience, including a brief stint as Test captain during the 2022 series in England. Shubman Gill and KL Rahul are other key figures who could potentially assume leadership roles if needed​

Abhimanyu Easwaran is the likely cover for Rohit as an opener, especially given his performances in India A matches, while young batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal will also be pivotal. The series has broader implications for India's position in the World Test Championship (WTC), where India currently leads the standings with a win percentage of 74.24, just ahead of second-place Australia​

This series loss against New Zealand and the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy have amplified pressure on India's lineup. Many expect the series to test the depth and adaptability of the Indian squad, especially if Rohit’s absence leads to changes in the batting order.