"He is not the kind of leader who runs away when the team is not performing well" - Mohammad Kaif backs Rohit Sharma amidst 1st AUS Test uncertainty

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif feels skipper Rohit Sharma will be keen to play in the opening Test of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting in Perth on November 22. With Rohit awaiting the birth of his second child, his participation in the series opener remains in doubt.

Meanwhile, Team India are under immense pressure after their shocking 0-3 home Test series loss to New Zealand. Rohit was heavily criticized for his poor captaincy and dismal batting form in the series, averaging under 16 in six innings.

Yet, in a recent YouTube video, as quoted by India Today, Kaif said Rohit would be driven to lead the side in the opening Test as soon as the personal commitments are taken care of.

"The thought will be there in Rohit Sharma's mind. His absence isn't confirmed because he does want to play. He knows that India have just lost 3-0 (to New Zealand), and he is the leader. He is not the kind of leader who runs away when the team is not performing well," he explained.

"He is waiting for situations get better at home, with his wife who is pregnant, and as soon as that happens, I am telling you, he will reach Perth. That is why he has not yet confirmed that he will be out for the first Test," Kaif added.

While Rohit has not traveled with the Indian side to Australia yet, he has been practicing and training in Mumbai to prepare for the series.

Following the New Zealand setback, India must defeat Australia by a margin of 4-0 or better in the five-match Test series to control their World Test Championship (WTC) final destiny.

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Rohit has struggled with the bat in Tests Down Under

2nd Test - Australia v India: Day 4 - Source: Getty

Despite being among India's best batters against pace and bounce, Rohit Sharma has historically struggled against the red ball in Australian conditions.

The 37-year-old has scored only 408 runs in 14 innings at a sub-par average of 31.38. Rohit is yet to score a Test century Down Under, with his highest score being 63* in the 2018 Melbourne Test.

However, he played in two matches each during India's back-to-back 2-1 series wins in the previous two tours of Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21.

Rohit's overall Test record against Australia isn't much better with an average of 33.71 in 12 outings.