Rohit Sharma celebrates birth of baby boy ahead of India's Border-Gavaskar test series

Sports News: India's cricket captain, Rohit Sharma, has been blessed with his second child – a baby boy – with his wife, Ritika Sajdeh, on Friday, November 15. This joyful news comes as a significant milestone for the couple and their daughter, Samaira, who is now a big sister. Rohit shared the announcement with a playful tribute to the beloved sitcom FRIENDS, posting an animated family picture captioned: "FAMILY – the one where we are Four."

A Boost for Team India Ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

While the birth of his second child is a personal delight, it also has great implications for Team India. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia set to begin on November 22 in Perth, Rohit's return to the squad seems likely, boosting the team's leadership and opening combination. Rohit’s presence would be crucial, especially after India was preparing for the series without their captain. The news of his baby's arrival has sparked excitement, as it greatly increases the chances of him joining the squad in time for the first Test.

Congratulations from the South African Series

As the Indian cricket team wrapped up their successful T20I series against South Africa with a dominant 3-1 victory, Rohit’s teammates sent their warm wishes. From Johannesburg, captain Suryakumar Yadav, along with centurions Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma, expressed their excitement and joy. “We were waiting for this moment. I would have reached there if this had gotten late by a day or two. I’m coming soon and we are very excited,” said Tilak Varma in a video shared by the BCCI.

Rohit’s Absence from Initial Squad Preparations

Rohit decided to stay back in Mumbai to be with Ritika for the birth of their child, missing the initial preparations with the rest of the Indian squad. Despite this, there remains hope that he could arrive in Perth just in time to lead India for the first Test match. His leadership could solve twin challenges for India – leading the team and stabilizing the opening combination.

KL Rahul Injury Concerns and Squad Backup Plans

Meanwhile, India’s squad is facing some injury concerns, with opening batsman KL Rahul suffering an elbow injury during an intra-squad match. Although the injury is reported to be minor, it puts further pressure on the opening position, an area India has struggled with recently. However, the team has backup options like Abhimanyu Easwaran, and if necessary, Shubman Gill, who has opened the batting in the past.

Leadership Standby: Bumrah Set to Lead in Rohit's Absence

In case Rohit’s recovery prevents him from playing the first Test, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah is set to take over the leadership duties, as confirmed by head coach Gautam Gambhir. This reassures the team that they will be in capable hands, regardless of Rohit’s availability.