Rohit's likely absence from the first Test is because his wife Ritika Sajdeh is expecting their second child in the third week of November. A source was quoted by India Today saying, "Rohit Sharma won't travel with the team to Australia. There were suggestions he might travel but now he isn't. His wife's delivery is expected next week."

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy nearing, Rohit Sharmas participation in the Perth Test remains uncertain as he trains in Mumbai amidst personal commitments. Team India prepares for contingencies, with

Indian captain Rohit Sharma is no guarantee to play in the first Test against Australia in Perth with coach Gautam Gambhir unable to confirm the skipper would be ready as his team departed for the blockbuster Border-Gavaskar series.

Gambhir said one of KL Rahul or Abhimanyu Easwaran or even Shubman Gill are available to open if Rohit doesn't make it

If Indian captain Rohit Sharma misses the Perth Test, either KL Rahul or Abhimanyu Easwaran will replace him as opener.