Rohit Sharma's Paternity Leave Speculated as New Addition to Family is Mentioned On Air

India's cricket captain Rohit Sharma is rumored to miss the first Test match of the upcoming tour to Australia due to paternity leave, with recent commentary during the India vs. New Zealand Test providing hints about the situation.

Commentator's Remarks

While discussing possible player combinations for the initial Test set to begin on November 22 at the Perth Stadium, commentator Harsha Bhogle noted, "Plenty of word around Rohit Sharma going into the tour of Australia. He might miss the first Test, hearing that there might be a new addition in his family.” This statement has fueled speculation regarding Sharma's personal life, particularly his wife Ritika Sajdeh's pregnancy.

Historical Context

If the reports are accurate, Rohit would follow in the footsteps of former captain Virat Kohli, who took paternity leave during the 2021-22 tour of Australia for the birth of his daughter, Vamika. While Kohli missed the entire Test series, Rohit is expected to return for the second Test in Adelaide, starting December 6, given the break between the first two Tests.

This potential new addition to Rohit and Ritika's family would be their second child; their first, a daughter named Samaira, was born in 2018. The speculation around Ritika's pregnancy has been circulating for some time, particularly as fans have noted her absence from various matches over the past few months.

Possible Stand-ins

In Rohit's absence, the team management will need to consider potential replacements. Vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah could be a strong candidate to lead the team, similar to his role during the one-off Test at Edgbaston in the summer of 2023. For the opening position, options may include bringing KL Rahul back to the top order or giving Abhimanyu Easwaran a debut in challenging conditions.

Despite being a vital player, Rohit has struggled for form in the current Test series against New Zealand, dealing with a series of low scores and difficulties against pace bowling. A break from Test cricket could provide him with a valuable opportunity to regroup before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

Current Team Dynamics

With India facing a series loss at home for the first time in 12 years, as New Zealand has already taken a 2-0 lead, the team is under pressure to perform. As they prepare for the challenging conditions ahead, the hope is that Rohit can regain his form and contribute effectively upon his return.

As the cricketing community awaits further confirmation about Rohit's situation, fans will be keeping a close eye on the upcoming matches and the potential implications for the Indian team in Australia.