India batsman Rohit Sharma will miss the final Test against Australia at Sydney after flying home to welcome the birth of his baby daughter.
Rohit’s wife Ritika Sajdeh gave birth to a baby girl some time after the completion of the third Test at Melbourne. The 31-year-old Indian batsman has already departed for his hometown Mumbai with the BCCI confirming his absence for the fourth and final Test of the series.
Rohit, who left from Melbourne on Sunday, will rejoin the Indian team in Australia on January 8, in time for the three-match ODI series against the hosts.
“Update – Rohit Sharma to join ODI squad on 8th January. India batsman Rohit Sharma left for Mumbai on the 30th of December to attend to his wife who has delivered a baby girl. The BCCI congratulates Rohit on the beginning of a new chapter in his life,” the BCCI tweeted.
The Indian board has not named any replacement player in Rohit’s absence.
Update - Rohit Sharma to join ODI squad on 8th January
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 31, 2018
India batsman @ImRo45 left for Mumbai on the 30th of December to attend to his wife who has delivered a baby girl. The BCCI congratulates Rohit on the beginning of a new chapter in his life. pic.twitter.com/7jokivuLGT
The right-hander had made a vital contribution in India’s 137-run win in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne with a 63-run knock in the first innings.
India, who are currently on the brink of a maiden Test series win on Australian soil, are slated to take on the hosts in the final match at Sydney from January 3.
The ODI series between the two sides will get underway on January 12 at the same venue and deputy skipper Rohit is expected to play a big part for the tourists.
