Sourav Ganguly strictly orders Rohit Sharma to join Team India for Perth Test after welcoming baby boy

Sourav Ganguly congratulated Rohit Sharma on becoming the father of a baby boy on Friday (November 15). However, the former Indian captain urged Rohit to join the Indian cricket team in Australia and take charge as captain ahead of the much-anticipated Test series.

The legendary cricketer acknowledged the personal joy of Rohit Sharma recently welcoming his second child, but he stressed the urgency of his presence in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, saying his leadership is irreplaceable, so he must be in Perth.

Sourav Ganguly wants Rohit Sharma in Perth for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 despite a family celebration

Furthermore, Sourav Ganguly has pointed out that there are still five to six days left for the upcoming five-match Test series opener at the Optus Stadium in Perth, so the Indian captain must take a direct flight to Australia since his wife, Ritika Sajdeh, already delivered their baby boy. He also said that this Test series in Australia is Rohit's last Down Under.

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The former Indian captain reiterated that Rohit should play in the first Test, as this game is still one week away, asking him to leave for Australia as soon as possible, as the Indian cricket team needs his leadership from the start of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Rohit Sharma can leave as early as possible: Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly said on Revsportz: “I hope Rohit Sharma goes very soon because the team needs leadership. I believe he has welcomed a baby boy a couple of days ago. Last night. So, I am sure he can leave. He can leave as early as possible. If I were in his position, he should be playing the first Test.

It's still on the 22nd. It's a week away. And because it's a big series. He will not go to Australia after this. He is a fantastic captain. India needs his leadership to start with.”

Meanwhile, Sourav Ganguly played a key role in appointing Rohit Sharma as India’s Test captain. Now, the legendary cricketer recalled Rohit's early reluctance to take on the role due to the immense workload of leading in all three formats of the game.

Sourav Ganguly reveals how he convinced Rohit Sharma to take up Test captaincy

However, the former BCCI president convinced Rohit that no Indian cricketer should end his career without the honor of being a Test captain. Today, Rohit cemented his legacy as one of India's finest leaders, and Ganguly said that he is not really surprised with whatever the Hitman has achieved.

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Ganguly signed off by saying, “Yeah, he wasn't because he was captaining every other format. So, there was a lot of workload. I don't believe in workload. The Test captain of India will always be the Test captain of India. And I told him that. Don't finish your career not being the test captain of India. I am not surprised at what he has achieved.”

EXCLUSIVE and BREAKING @SGanguly99 on @ImRo45 Congratulates him on the birth of his child and says:

“Team needs him. His leadership. If I was in his position I would be playing the Perth Test”

Watch 5pm. @RevSportzGlobal @rohitjuglan @CricSubhayan @shamik100 @Fancricket12 pic.twitter.com/4NabUhIT9f

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) November 16, 2024

Notably, the reports suggested that the BCCI had already made arrangements for Rohit’s quick departure to Australia, while the Indian team had already started practice for the Perth Test against Australia at the WACA. But there is no official word on Rohit’s arrival yet in Australia.