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Xtra Time Web Desk: India captain Rohit Sharma will not be traveling with the team to Australia as initially planned, sources told India Today. Rohit will stay back in India for the birth of his second child, expected in the third week of November. The Indian team, set to depart in two batches on November 11 and 12, will travel without their skipper, raising questions about his availability for the opening Test in Perth on November 22.

While there were suggestions that Rohit might join the squad later, a top source confirmed his absence due to family commitments. “Rohit Sharma won’t travel with the team to Australia. His wife’s delivery is expected next week,” the source stated on November 10.

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The timing of Rohit’s absence is critical, as India cannot afford a single loss if they are to secure direct qualification for the World Test Championship final. This comes in the wake of India’s recent home series loss to New Zealand — a rare Test whitewash on home soil. The result led to a six-hour BCCI review meeting attended by key figures like Rohit, Gautam Gambhir, and Ajit Agarkar, which focused on understanding the setback and formulating a recovery plan for the Australia tour.

Finch Defends Rohit’s Paternity Leave Against Gavaskar’s Criticism

Amid the speculation, former Australia cricketer Aaron Finch has voiced his support for Rohit’s decision to prioritize family. Responding to Sunil Gavaskar's remarks that Jasprit Bumrah should be appointed captain for the entire series if Rohit misses more than one game, Finch expressed a differing view. “I disagree with Sunny on that totally,” Finch said on Around the Wicket. “Rohit Sharma is the captain of the Indian cricket team. If he needs to stay at home for the birth of his child, that’s a beautiful moment, and he should take all the time he needs.”

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Rohit’s wife, Ritika Sajdeh, shared her gratitude to Finch in an Instagram post, tagging him in an article about his defense of Rohit’s leave. She also took a subtle stand against Gavaskar’s views, thanking Finch for his supportive stance.

The Indian cricket community remains divided over the issue, with some emphasizing the importance of continuity in leadership, while others, like Finch, prioritize family commitments.