Vikrant Shekhawat : Nov 16, 2024, 09:00 PM
Border-Gavaskar Trophy: The wait for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is about to end. This prestigious five-match Test series will start in Perth from November 22. This time the series is special, as there are great expectations on the contribution of Team India's star player Rohit Sharma and fast bowler Mohammed Shami. However, Rohit is delaying his departure to Australia due to personal reasons, but he will soon join the team.Rohit Sharma: Return after the joy of becoming a fatherIndian captain Rohit Sharma took a break from the team for the birth of his second child. His wife Ritika Sajdeh gave birth to a son on 15 November. After this happy moment, Rohit will now leave for Australia soon. However, it is not yet clear whether he will play in the first Test or not, but he is almost certain to play in the second Test.Mohammed Shami will also leave for AustraliaAlong with Rohit Sharma, Mohammed Shami will also fly to Australia. Shami is not part of the Indian squad at the moment, but the team management is considering including him in the team before the second Test of the series.Shami recently returned to the field with a brilliant performance in the Ranji Trophy. Playing for Bengal, he took a total of 6 wickets in two innings in the match against Madhya Pradesh. Apart from bowling, Shami also made significant contributions with the bat. His rhythm has increased the confidence of the selectors and the team management.Shami's return to the field after injuryMohammed Shami played his last international match during the 2023 ODI World Cup. After this, he was out of the team for a long time due to ankle injury. He underwent surgery in January 2024 and then went through the rehab process at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).With a brilliant performance in the Ranji Trophy, Shami has proved his fitness and form. Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla said, "Shami looked completely fit while bowling. He bowled 44 overs in the match and never looked out of rhythm. He is fully ready for Team India."First Test: Team India's ChallengesIn the absence of Rohit Sharma, Team India will have to play under the leadership of vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah in the first Test. This will be the first time Bumrah will captain in a Test match. At the same time, in the absence of Mohammed Shami, there will be more pressure on the Indian fast bowling attack. Young bowlers will have to take responsibility.Strength will increase in the second TestThe return of Rohit Sharma and Mohammed Shami will give a big strength to Team India in the second Test to be played in Adelaide. This match will be played with a pink ball, and the experience of both the players can prove beneficial for the team.New combination will be testedThe absence of Rohit and Shami will force India to try new combinations in the first Test. KL Rahul or Shubman Gill will have to play a big role in opening. In bowling, expectations will be from players like Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Siraj.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is not just a cricket series but a test where Team India is set to show its depth and resilience. The return of experienced players like Rohit and Shami will definitely be decisive for India.