Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly believes India will need the services of Rohit Sharma as a leader for the opening Test match against Australia at Perth. Sharma was blessed with a baby boy on Saturday and he is soon expected to take his flight to Australia but according to TOI reports, he is set to miss the first game.

If Rohit Sharma misses the opening Test, his deputy Jasprit Bumrah will lead in his place. Meanwhile, Rohit is also under the pump after India suffered a 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand despite playing at home.

Rohit isn’t also in the best of forms as he could not deliver against the Kiwis, as he managed only 91 runs in three Test matches, with an average of 15.17. The Indian opener could only score 42 runs in two Test matches against Bangladesh at an average of 10.50.

However, Rohit will be determined to prove his mettle, both as a leader as well as a captain on the Australia tour. Rohit likes having pace on the ball and he will look to be at his best against the Australian bowlers.

Speaking to Boria Majumdar on RevSportz, “I hope Rohit Sharma goes very soon, because the team needs leadership. I believe his wife has delivered a baby boy yesterday night so I am sure he can leave. He can leave as early as possible and if I was in his position, he should be playing the Perth Test. The match is a week away. Because it is a big series, he will not go to Australia after this, he is a fantastic captain. India needs his leadership to start with.”

Ganguly revealed that Rohit Sharma was a bit reluctant to take over Test captaincy because of workload.

“He wasn’t because he was captaining the other formats. So, it was a lot of workload. I don’t believe in workload. Test captain of India is going to be Test captain. I told him that don’t finish your career not being Test captain, I am not surprised to see what he has achieved.”

The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.