Former Australian white-ball captain Aaron Finch has voiced support for Rohit Sharma after Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar suggested replacing him as captain for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 if he misses the first Test. Gavaskar’s comments stemmed from reports that Rohit might be unavailable for the first or second Test due to the anticipated birth of his second child.
Gavaskar proposed that Jasprit Bumrah should lead the Indian team for the entire five-match series if Rohit is absent initially, stating on Sports Tak: “If Rohit Sharma might not play the first two Tests… the selection committee should appoint Jasprit Bumrah as captain for the entire Australia tour, and Rohit should participate as a player.”
However, Finch disagreed, expressing his support for Rohit’s leadership regardless of personal commitments. In an ESPNCricinfo podcast, Around the Wicket, Finch remarked: “I disagree with Sunny on that totally. Rohit Sharma is the captain of the Indian cricket team. If he needs time at home for the birth of his child, he should take it, and any captaincy change should be temporary.”
The BGT series will be a historic moment, marking the first time since 1991-92 that India will play a five-Test series in Australia. Finch emphasized the importance of allowing Rohit to balance his personal life without challenging his captaincy status.
