Published By: Sanchari Das

BGT 2024-25: Rohit Sharma's Dominance Over Australia – A Look at His Key Test Stats

This will be Rohit Sharma's second time leading India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after the 2023 series

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2025 begins with uncertainty over Rohit Sharma's availability. Due to personal reasons, he might miss the first Test against Australia at Perth's Optus Stadium on November 22. This absence could leave a massive void at the top of the batting order. Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, remains hopeful about Sharma's participation. However, if he's ruled out, the pressure is on India to find a solid replacement. The options discussed are KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran, but can they match up to Rohit's experience and record?

India's backup plan: Rahul or Easwaran?

Gambhir has a backup plan in case Rohit Sharma is unable to play the opening test. KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran are potential candidates to fill the gap. Despite his inconsistent form, Rahul has the experience of playing in Australia. Easwaran, however, has yet to make his international debut and has struggled recently against Australia A. Given his unimpressive scores of 0 and 17, the selectors might lean towards Rahul for his experience. The decision will be tough, as India needs a strong start against a formidable Australian pace attack.

Rohit's overall test record against Australia

Rohit Sharma's Test record against Australia has been a mix of highs and lows. In 12 matches, he has accumulated 708 runs at an average of 33.71. His strike rate of 52.17 highlights his attacking intent, with a highest score of 120. Sharma has scored one century and three fifties in these encounters, showcasing his ability to play crucial knocks against a challenging opposition. This record underlines his importance in the lineup, especially against Australia's experienced bowling attack, which makes his potential absence even more concerning.

Rohit's test record in Australia: A challenge away from home

Rohit Sharma's performances in Australia have been slightly below his usual standards. Across 7 matches and 14 innings, he has scored 408 runs at an average of 31.38. While he has three half-centuries to his name, he has not yet managed a Test century on Australian soil. His highest score remains 63* from the 2018-19 series. Despite these modest numbers, his presence at the top brings stability and experience, factors that India may miss if he is ruled out of the first Test.

The 'Hitman' impact: Rohit's milestones against Australia

Known for his elegance and timing, Rohit Sharma is widely regarded as one of the best limited-overs cricketers. Against Australia in all formats, he has scored over 3,500 runs, earning the nickname 'Hitman'. His pull shot, a signature move, has often left Australian bowlers in trouble. In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023, Rohit smashed a century on home soil, scoring 120 in Nagpur. This performance made him the seventh Indian captain to score a hundred in the prestigious series. His leadership and batting prowess will be crucial for India in the upcoming series.

Leading India once again in the Border-Gavaskar trophy

This will be Rohit Sharma's second time leading India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after the 2023 series. As captain, he brings a calm yet aggressive approach, essential for facing the mighty Australians. His century in the 2023 series showcased his capability to step up under pressure. If he plays, his experience and strategic mindset could be game-changing for India. Without him, the team's strategy and confidence may take a hit, making the selection of his replacement a crucial decision ahead of the first Test in Perth.