Rohit Sharma Set to Captain India in Adelaide Test Against Australia, Confirms BCCI Vice-President

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president, Rajeev Shukla, has confirmed that Rohit Sharma will return to the national team as captain for the upcoming second Test against Australia in Adelaide. This announcement comes on the heels of India’s emphatic 295-run victory over Australia in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy held in Perth.

Praising the team’s performance, Shukla highlighted the significance of the win after a challenging series against New Zealand. “The victory in Perth is of great importance. Our bowlers and batsmen played very well,” he told media. “Rohit Sharma will be playing the second Test as the captain.”

Rohit Sharma, who recently joined the squad in Australia following the birth of his second child, has already begun practicing in the nets. His leadership is anticipated to bolster the team’s morale as they aim to continue their winning momentum in the series.

In the first Test, India overcame a disappointing first innings total of 150 runs to secure a dominant win. Key contributions came from Nitish Kumar Reddy, who scored 41 runs off 59 balls with six fours and a six, and Rishabh Pant, who added 37 runs off 78 balls. The duo forged a crucial 48-run partnership for the sixth wicket, providing some stability after early setbacks.

Australia’s bowling attack was led by Josh Hazlewood, who claimed four wickets for 29 runs. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Marsh, and Mitchell Starc each took two wickets, restricting India’s initial total.

However, Australia’s response was underwhelming as they were bowled out for 104 runs, with Jasprit Bumrah delivering a stellar performance of 5 wickets for 30 runs in 18 overs. Debutant Harshit Rana also made an impact with figures of 3 for 48.

India capitalized on their second innings, amassing a formidable total of 487 for 6 declared. Openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal set the tone with a 201-run partnership. Rahul scored a patient 77 off 176 balls, while Jaiswal impressed with a commanding 161 off 297 deliveries. Virat Kohli further solidified India’s position with an unbeaten century, scoring 100 runs off 143 balls. Contributions from Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy helped set Australia a daunting target of 534 runs.

Despite efforts from Australia’s Travis Head, who scored 89 off 101 balls, and Mitchell Marsh with 47 runs, the hosts were dismissed for 238 in their second innings. Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj each took three wickets, with Washington Sundar adding two more to the tally. India’s comprehensive performance earned Bumrah the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his eight wickets across both innings.

Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah expressed satisfaction with the team’s resilience and adaptability. With Rohit Sharma set to return as captain, India aims to build on this momentum in Adelaide.