Sunil Gavaskar attacked for demanding Rohit Sharma's sacking before BGT 2024-25 by Aaron Finch

In a surprising twist ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, former Australian skipper Aaron Finch has strongly countered Sunil Gavaskar's suggestion of appointing Jasprit Bumrah as India’s captain for the entire Test series if Rohit Sharma can’t participate in the Perth Test.

Sunil Gavaskar recently sparked the debate by suggesting that if Rohit Sharma could not join the Indian cricket team in time for the upcoming five-match Test series opener on November 22 in Perth, then the BCCI should hand the captaincy over to Jasprit Bumrah for the entirety of the series.

Aaron Finch backs Rohit Sharma, rejects Sunil Gavaskar's Jasprit Bumrah proposal for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

The Indian captain’s availability for the high-voltage Test series opener in Perth remains uncertain as his wife, Ritika Sajdeh, is expecting their second child around the first Test.

Rohit had already hinted at missing the Perth Test for personal reasons, and speculations are that he would be with his wife Ritika during the birth of their second child back in India.

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With Rohit’s availability still uncertain, the former Indian captain and legendary batter put forward the idea that Team India should be proactive, suggesting the BCCI and chief selector Ajit Agarkar to appoint Jasprit Bumrah as full-time captain for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Gavaskar emphasized that India needs a captain with undivided focus for the entire five-match Test series. He felt that rotating the captaincy during such a high-stakes Test series would be damaging to team stability.

For the first Test match, Rohit Sharma has to be there: Sunil Gavaskar

The legendary batter Gavaskar said that Rohit must play as a player in the much-awaited Test series if he misses the start of the high-stake assignment on Australian soil.

Sunil Gavaskar had said on Sports Tak: “I have been reading that Rohit Sharma might not play the first two Tests of the Australia series. I feel that, in that case, the selection committee should appoint Jasprit Bumrah the captain of the side for the entire Australia tour and tell Rohit Sharma that you will participate as a player in this series.”

Rohit Sharma is India's only captain": Aaron Finch counters Sunil Gavaskar's suggestion

However, former Australian captain Aaron Finch didn’t hold back his disagreement with Sunil Gavaskar’s opinion on the matter. Finch quickly downplayed Gavaskar’s suggestion by saying that Rohit Sharma is the one and only captain of the Indian cricket team, even if he needs time away for personal reasons.

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The former Australian opener believes that Rohit’s absence in the first Test should not spark a rethinking of leadership for the entire five-match Test series in Australia.

Finch felt that it is very important to allow Rohit to manage his responsibilities as a husband and father without questioning his leadership, and any temporary fill-in role should remain temporary for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Aaron Finch said on the Around the Wicket podcast: “I disagree with Sunny on that totally. Rohit Sharma is the captain of the Indian cricket team. If you need to stay at home because your wife's going to have a baby, that's such a beautiful moment, and you take all the time that you need in that regard.”

A clear take from Aaron Finch on Sunil Gavaskar's suggestion#AroundTheWicket #AUSvIND #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/hbOGOsTccF

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) November 6, 2024