India’s cricket captain Rohit Sharma has been blessed with a baby boy, raising hopes that he may join the team for the first Test against Australia in Perth, starting November 22.

Rohit’s wife, Ritika Sajdeh, delivered the baby at a local hospital on Friday night. The couple, already parents to a daughter, Samaira, born in 2018, had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of their second child.

Rohit did not travel to Australia with the rest of the Indian squad, choosing to remain in India to support Ritika. While it remains uncertain if Rohit will play in the first Test, there is a possibility he might travel to Australia soon. Whether he features in the game after just a few practice sessions is yet to be decided, but nothing is being ruled out.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir had earlier expressed optimism about Rohit’s potential availability, a development that would bolster the Indian team’s brittle top order. Despite a recent dip in form, Rohit’s experience and skill make him a stronger option than Abhimanyu Easwaran, who has struggled against bounce and seam movement.

Additionally, KL Rahul’s minor elbow injury has left doubts about his fitness, although it’s not considered serious. Neither Easwaran nor Rahul has solidified their place as an ideal partner for Yashasvi Jaiswal, leaving a gap at the top of the batting order.

Rohit’s return could provide much-needed stability to the lineup as India prepares for the crucial opener in their series Down Under.