Rohit Sharma made a strong statement upon his arrival in Australia for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 after celebrating the birth of his second child earlier this month. After returning from paternity leave, the Indian cricket team captain wasted no time getting back into action, diving into an intense 40-minute net session on Day 4 of the Perth Test.
Under the blazing sun at the Optus Stadium in Perth, Rohit Sharma faced a fiery mix of reserve bowlers, including Akashdeep, Yash Dayal, Navdeep Saini, and Mukesh Kumar, with new pink balls, ensuring a challenging practice environment for the upcoming Day-Night Test in Adelaide.
Rohit Sharma dominates Perth nets with 40-minute practice session after paternity leave
Ravindra Jadeja was the sole spinner who tested the Indian skipper in the final minutes of his net session in Perth on Monday, November 25. It is being said that Rohit Sharma faced close to 200 deliveries, showcasing a blend of grit and flair.
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Hitman @ImRo45 has just completed his first nets session in Australia and even the commentators couldn’t keep calm!#TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/vsonrdc2ud
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 25, 2024
However, there were moments of struggle with several missed shots, but the senior Indian opener’s signature dominance on the leg side stood out as he unleashed some beautiful strokes. With his determination and focus in the nets, Rohit confirmed that he is ready to lead the Indian cricket team from the front in the ongoing five-match Test series in Australia.
40 minutes of batting practice with 4 bowlers having brand new pink balls
Akashdeep
Yash Dayal
Navdeep Saini
Mukesh in last 10 minutes only
Jaddu the only spinner
Played close to 200 balls
Mixed session for him plenty of misses and many good shots especially in leg side… pic.twitter.com/RI3pm1tmwr— रोहित जुगलान Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) November 25, 2024
Hitman is back 🔥#RohitSharma • @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/Glr58wkIZw
— Dinesh Lilawat (@CricCrazyDs45) November 25, 2024
There were a lot of videos and images going viral across the social media platforms, where the Hitman can be seen sweating out hard at the nets in Perth soon after rejoining the Indian cricket team. In one of those videos, former Australian opener David Warner was also seen covering Rohit Sharma’s practice session for Fox Cricket.
David Warner covers Rohit Sharma’s net session in Perth
David Warner said in the video: “And just during the lunch break here at the Nets, we’ve got Captain of India Rohit Sharma, who’s just arrived in the country, looking nice and sharp against his fellow countrymen here in the Nets. We’ve got a few of the Indian fast bowlers bowling towards the captain ahead of the pink ball test match starting the 6th of December in Adelaide, as we just see there Mukesh Kumar sending down a nice delivery. But it’s great to see the captain here, and we’re looking forward to seeing him back out on the park here on Australian soil. In a couple of days’ time.”
David Warner covering Rohit Sharma’s net session.#RohitSharmapic.twitter.com/QT5D7qqDSY
— Crazy Cricket 🏏 (@CrazyCricketNew) November 25, 2024
On the other hand, Rohit Sharma was also seen enjoying the play with the Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir, in Perth, as the tourists are close to a commanding victory against Australia at the Optus Stadium.
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India to play two-day pink-ball practice match in Canberra
For some time, he also spent time with Ravindra Jadeja, Shubman Gill, and Sarfaraz Ahmed, as they were watching the actions from the boundary line in Perth. Notably, before the Day-Night Test in Adelaide against Australia, the Indian cricket team will play a two-day pink-ball practice match in Canberra from November 30.
This game will provide key preparation to the tourists for the challenges posed by the pink Kookaburra ball, particularly under twilight conditions. It will be a very important game for Rohit, as it will offer him a chance to acclimatize to the conditions.