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India’s captain Rohit Sharma is set to join the Indian team in Perth on November 24, marking Day 3 of the first Test in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. While he won’t be featuring in the series opener at Optus Stadium, this move significantly boosts his availability for the second Test, which starts on December 6 at the Adelaide Oval.

Rohit had initially stayed back in India to be with his wife for the birth of their second child, a baby boy, on November 15. He announced the happy news on November 16. With time running out before the first Test, there was speculation that he could still join the squad in Australia, but ultimately, it was confirmed that he would not be playing in the opening game. 

However, with the gap between the first and second Tests, Rohit has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his travel plans. According to a source close to the development, "Rohit will depart from Mumbai on November 23 and reach Perth on November 24. After joining the team, he will discuss his preparation with the coaching staff ahead of the day-night pink-ball Test in Adelaide. He is also available for the practice match in Canberra."

Rohit’s return will be a much-needed boost for India, who are currently being led by vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah in Perth. Bumrah, while not discussing Rohit’s availability directly during a pre-match press conference, mentioned that he had been in touch with the captain for insights on leadership. Bumrah’s only prior experience as Test captain came in 2022, when India lost to England in Birmingham.

As India gears up for the second Test, which will be a critical part of Rohit Sharma’s captaincy tenure, the team faces a tough challenge. Despite leading India to a 2-1 series win against Australia in 2023, the team's recent performances in high-profile ICC finals—losing both the World Test Championship final and the World Cup final—have put additional pressure on Rohit’s leadership. A successful series against Australia is now seen as vital for his legacy as captain.

Meanwhile, India will also play a two-day warm-up match against the Prime Minister's XI at Manuka Oval in Canberra on November 30, which will be their second practice game of the tour. Their first was an intra-squad simulation match between India and India A.