[Watch] Rohit Sharma visits Alibaug ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia

Team India's Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma was recently spotted in Alibaug ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. India and Australia will battle for the coveted trophy in a five-match Test series Down Under.

A video surfaced on social media on Monday, November 11, in which Sharma can be seen exiting the registration office in Alibaug. The 37-year-old also posed for pictures with the officials at the office.

It is worth mentioning that Rohit Sharma purchased a four-acre land in Alibaug valued at ₹9 crore in his wife Ritika Sajdeh's name in 2021. The coastal town has emerged as a popular destination among celebrities for farmhouses. Former India captain Virat Kohli also acquired a luxurious home in Alibaug last year.

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"Will let you know before the series" - Team India head coach on Rohit Sharma's availability for Test series opener against Australia

Rohit Sharma is set to become a father for the second time very soon. Recent reports suggest that the opening batter won't travel with the Indian team to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy because of the same reason. There is still no clarity over his availability for the Test series opener in Perth.

Speaking at the pre-departure press conference, India head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that speedster Jasprit Bumrah will captain the side if Sharma is unavailable for the opening fixture.

Stating that he would give a confirmation of Sharma's availability before the start of the series, Gambhir was quoted as saying by TOI:

"Bumrah is vice-captain; if Rohit is not available, he is going to be lead in Perth. There is no confirmation on Rohit as of now, hopefully he will play. We will let you know before the series."

The Indian contingent is leaving for Australia in two batches. The first batch departed on Sunday, November 10, while the remaining ones are set to leave on Monday, November 11. The series kicks off in Perth on November 22.