Win Projections to be updated soon
Indian men’s cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir is hopeful about captain Rohit Sharma’s availability for the first Test against Australia. The match is set to take place at Optus Stadium in Perth on November 22, as part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
Gambhir Addresses Rohit’s Uncertain Status
In a pre-departure press conference held in Mumbai on November 11, Gambhir discussed the situation surrounding Rohit. He stated that there is currently no official confirmation regarding the captain’s participation. “At present, there is no confirmation on Rohit; hopefully, he will be available. We will get to know before the start of the first Test,” Gambhir said.
Gambhir Shrugs Off Critics Amid Test Series Loss to New Zealand
Rohit Sharma‘s potential absence is due to personal reasons, as he is expecting his second child with wife Ritika Sajdeh. Reports indicate that he may not travel with the team for the first match, raising concerns about his role in the series.
Backup Options if Rohit is Unavailable
Should Rohit miss the opening Test, Gambhir mentioned that either KL Rahul or Abhimanyu Easwaran could step in as openers. “We have options in KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran,” he confirmed. Both players are included in the squad, with Easwaran receiving a call-up following a strong domestic season.
Gautam Gambhir also confirmed that if Rohit Sharma is unavailable, senior fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team. “Jasprit Bumrah is the vice-captain. If Rohit misses out, he will be the captain,” Gambhir added during the press conference.
Easwaran has made headlines recently, scoring four centuries in his last four first-class matches. Meanwhile, Rahul has been training as an opener during India A matches in Australia, despite being initially considered for a middle-order role.
The Border Gavaskar Trophy Challenge
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series represents a critical moment for India, especially after their recent 3-0 series loss to New Zealand. The Indian team aims to rebound and secure their third consecutive Test series victory in Australia, having previously triumphed in 2018-19 and 2020-21.
The five-match series will also contribute to the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. Following the first Test in Perth, a day-night match at Adelaide Oval is scheduled for December 6, with additional Tests at Gabba, Melbourne Cricket Ground, and Sydney Cricket Ground throughout December and January.
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