Travis Head responds to Rohit Sharma missing India vs Australia 1st Test due to fatherhood: 'Living a privileged life'

In a recent interview with RevSportz, Head expressed his full support for Rohit Sharma's decision to prioritize family over his cricket commitments. Head, who recently became a father for the second time himself, understands the importance of being present for milestones in your child's life. He mentioned that as cricketers, they do lead privileged lives but sometimes have to make sacrifices, and missing important moments with family is one of them. He added that if he were in a similar situation, he would make the same choice as Rohit without hesitation.

Head, who is one of the most feared batters for India after his twin successes in the WTC and ODI World Cup finals in 2023 where his centuries helped Australia overcome India, was empathetic of the big decision Rohit had to make. "You don't get that time back. Hopefully, it goes well with him and hopefully we see him at some stage in this series, but I think he’s made the right call."

Rohit Sharma is likely to return in time for the second Test match of the series at the Adelaide Oval, with a nine-day gap between the scheduled conclusion of the Perth Test and the start of the second Test on 6th December.

Head pointed out that India will remain a big threat even without their captain. India succeeded on their tour of Australia in 2020-21 when Virat Kohli, then captain, took time off to return home for the birth of his child.

"If you go on history, you wouldn't rule out any Indian team. The last couple series we've played against them, they've had injuries and they've had doubts, people questioning them a fair bit," commented Head. "They rolled out some pretty good performances, so whoever they play is going to be a pretty strong team, I wouldn’t worry about that."

The form of Head could be a crucial element in the BGT, with the left-hander capable of single-handedly changing the tide of a game from his middle-order position with quick runs. India will hope their bowlers have better luck against Head than in the big games last year when the series begins at the Optus Stadium.