Rohit Sharma should be playing the Perth Test: Sourav Ganguly

“I hope Rohit Sharma goes very soon, because the team needs leadership.” Sourav Ganguly told RevSportz.

“I believe his wife has delivered a baby boy yesterday night so I am sure he can leave.

“He can leave as early as possible and if I was in his position, he should be playing the Perth Test,” he added.

“The match is a week away. Because it is a big series, he will not go to Australia after this, he is a fantastic captain. India needs his leadership to start with,” said Ganguly.

Rohit Sharna plays a shot in Mumbai Test against New Zealand. (Express Photo by Amit Chakravarty)

Should Rohit Sharma miss out, Indian bowling ace Jasprit Bumrah is likely to lead the side. At an Express Adda earlier this year, Bumrah had joked when asked about his favourite captain, “My favourite captain is me because I have captained in a few games. Obviously there are great captains, but I will take my name. I am my favourite captain.’

India has already suffered a massive setback as a thumb fracture has ruled out Shubman Gill from the Perth Test. Gill fractured his thumb when he was fielding during a match simulation session in Perth on Saturday.

Gill’s absence will result in a rejig of India’s batting line-up which could also be without Test captain Rohit Sharma because of the birth of the second child. With Gill not playing the first Test, KL Rahul, who was dropped for the second and third Test matches at home against New Zealand is likely to get a game.

India have won the last two times touring Down Under, and are up against a resurgent Aussie side in the five match series.