As Rohit Sharma faces scrutiny for potentially missing the opening Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, former Australia captain Aaron Finch has come to his defense. Rohit’s wife, Ritika Sajdeh, acknowledged Finch’s support with a salute emoji on social media, showing her appreciation for the cricketer’s stance. Reports suggest that Rohit may miss the first Test to be with his family, as he and Ritika are reportedly expecting their second child.

Rohit Sharma's absence: Paternity leave or professional obligation?

Indian captain Rohit Sharma is expected to miss the first Test in Perth, starting on November 22, after reportedly applying for paternity leave. Speculations of his absence have sparked mixed reactions among fans and the cricket community, as the five-match Test series against Australia is critical for India’s qualification in the World Test Championship (WTC). A 4-0 or 5-0 win in the series is necessary for India to secure a spot in the WTC finals without depending on other results. Following India’s recent 3-0 home defeat against New Zealand, some fans are questioning Rohit’s decision to be away, with the captain’s role viewed as crucial for morale and strategy.

Despite the criticism, former Australia captain Aaron Finch, who played with Rohit in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Mumbai Indians, defended him publicly. Journalist Fayed D'Souza highlighted Finch's support in a social media post, which was quickly endorsed by Ritika. She tagged Finch and posted a salute emoji to show her gratitude for his backing during the challenging time.

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Rohit Sharma's test form adds pressure on India

The controversy over Rohit's absence has amplified discussions about his recent performance. Rohit has faced challenges in Test cricket this year, managing 588 runs across 11 matches at an average of 29.40. His low performance against New Zealand, where he only scored 91 runs in six innings with an average of 15.17, has raised concerns over his form. With the team needing a dominant showing in Australia, many fans and analysts are looking to Rohit for a strong comeback in the series. His absence, even if for family reasons, creates an opportunity for Australia’s bowlers to exploit India's vulnerable top order.

As India prepares to face Australia, Ritika Sajdeh’s public show of gratitude for Finch's support reflects the complexities facing Rohit Sharma as both a player and a family man.