'Rohit Sharma has done the absolute....': Michael Clarke's bold verdict on India captain skipping Perth Test

Former Australia National Cricket Team skipper Michael Clarke has shared his bold views on the India National Cricket Team captain Rohit Sharma skipping the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

India and Australia will be locking horns with each other in the first Test of the five-match series in Perth from November 22 and Rohit Sharma will not be participating in the match.

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Why will Rohit Sharma be missing the Perth Test, and who will replace him?

India skipper has made the decision to skip the first Test due to the birth of his second child. Rohit Sharma and his wife, Ritika Sajdeh, welcomed their second child, a baby boy, on November 15, and the Indian skipper wants to spend some time with his family before being involved in his cricket commitments.

Reportedly, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was hopeful of Rohit participating in the Perth Test after the child was born a week before the commencement of the match, but the India captain informed the board about his unavailability.

In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah will be leading the Indian team as he is designated vice-captain of the side. Also, KL Rahul is likely to take over the opening position and partner Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top.

Family comes first, mate - Michael Clarke

In an interaction with RevSportz, Michael Clarke was asked about Rohit Sharma missing the first Test. He responded by saying that the Indian captain had done the absolutely right thing, as family comes first.

Clarke added that India will definitely miss the services of Rohit Sharma as a batter and captain, but he had made the correct choice by staying with his family. Michael Clarke elaborated:

"Let me tell you something, mate. I loved playing for Australia and I loved captaining Australia. I loved the baggy green. Having said that, the happiest day of my life was when my daughter was born. Much more than a Test match or a win or even a World Cup. It is very different, and you can’t equate it to anything.

"Family comes first, mate. A Test match will come again, but this is a very very different moment. Yes, Rohit will be missed. His leadership will be missed, but I can tell you I’d have done the exact same thing if I was in his position. You can’t take these things away from anyone."

Rohit has done the absolute correct thing - Michael Clarke

Clarke further stated that Rohit Sharma is also a human being, and family commitments need to be given priority.

He added that Rohit can travel to Australia after the Perth Test and participate in the series with full focus and playing a key role for India. Clarke said:

"No two ways, mate. You have to realise and understand that we are human beings first. Rohit has done the absolute correct thing.

"Now, he can travel and join the team and fully immerse himself into the job. And he will be a key player for India, for sure. But what he has done is exactly the right thing to do."