Rohit Sharma is all set to rejoin the Indian cricket team in Australia on November 24 and will feature in a two-day pink-ball tour match starting November 30 in Canberra. This game will act as crucial preparation for the much-anticipated day-night Test in Adelaide. The first Test in Perth was missed by India’s Test captain, Rohit, who stayed in India to be with his family during the birth of his second kid.
In his absence, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team in the series opener at the Optus Stadium. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the first Test, Bumrah remarked, “I spoke with Rohit earlier and gained some clarity on taking over the captaincy after reaching here.”
The return of Rohit is a major boost for the Indian squad, which will depend on several less experienced players for the initial game in Perth. The pink-ball warm-up match against the Prime Minister’s XI at Manuka Oval provides a great chance for Rohit and the team to fine-tune their preparations. The hosts are expected to field a blend of seasoned international players and Test aspirants. Unlike previous Prime Minister’s XI encounters, which were traditionally longer four-day matches, including games against West Indies in 2022 and Pakistan in 2023, this fixture has been shortened to two days.
Rohit will be eager to rediscover his rhythm, especially after a challenging series against New Zealand at home, where he managed just 91 runs across six innings, averaging 15.16.
India’s last pink-ball Test resulted in an emphatic 238-run victory over Sri Lanka in Bengaluru in March 2022. However, their previous day-night Test at Adelaide Oval was a stark contrast, where they were bowled out for just 36 in the second innings. Despite that low point, the team showcased incredible resilience, ultimately claiming the series 2-1, underlining their ability to thrive under pressure in challenging scenarios.
