Former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly wants India captain Rohit Sharma to play the first Test against Australia, starting 22nd November in Perth. 

Rohit became a dad for the second time on Friday as his wife gave birth to a baby boy. The Indian captain has not yet confirmed his participation in the first Test. The Indian team management has been on the hunt to find a replacement for Rohit in the top-order batting. 

Ganguly feels India need his leadership and if he was in Rohit's position, he would have played the game as there's still plenty of time for him to reach Australia.

“I hope the team need Rohit’s leadership. It is a big series. I heard his wife delivered a baby boy. So now he can leave (for Australia) as soon as possible. If I was in his position, I would have played in the series from the first Test. He is a fantastic captain. India need his leadership.”

Meanwhile, KL Rahul another experienced opening option for India, had to leave the field on the opening day of the simulation match after being struck on the elbow by a short delivery. 

He did not return for the remainder of the day and was absent from action on Saturday as well. Bengal batter Abhimanyu Easwaran, who had a disappointing performance against Australia-A with scores of 0, 7, 17, and 12, remains another potential candidate for the opening role.