Super-Dad Rohit Sharma was on a flight back home as soon as the news of his wife Ritika Sajdeh being blessed with a baby daughter reached his ears. 

The news broke out within hours of Team India registering the second win of the four-match series in Melbourne on Sunday.

The batsman seemed overjoyed about becoming a father in an interview with retired Australian cricketer, Michael Clarke, before the 3rd Test. "I cannot wait to be a father; it is going to be a game-changing moment in our lives,” Sharma told Clarke. “I am eagerly awaiting the moment of becoming a father. It will be a moment to change our life.” 

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We are so happy for you guys @ImRo45  @ritssajdeh â¤ï¸

Sharma played a crucial role in the first innings of the 3rd Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as he scored 63 runs off 114 balls and remained unbeaten till the end. 

The Men in Blue look to seal their series victory by winning the 4th Test starting 3rd January 2019, however, looks like they will not have the talents of the middle-order batsman to back them up in Sydney.

The team is looking at Hardik Pandya, who recently recovered from a severe lower-back injury he suffered in September this year, as a suitable replacement for Sharma. 

“It would've been great to have him (Rohit) around,” a source told The Times of India. “Tactically, he brings so much to the side and then his batting provides the right kind of balance to the side. But what awaits him is far bigger and more important.” 

Rohit Sharma will be back in Australia after spending a week with the family to join the ODI squad for a three-match series starting 12th January 2019.