Head Coach Gautam Gambhir and the Indian team’s management are in a dilemma regarding captain Rohit’s participation in the first test match of the upcoming Border-Gavasker Trophy. However, coach Gambhir is hopeful that Rohit might be available for the first test in Perth. If Rohit misses the first match, KL Rahul, Abhimanyu Eeshwaran, or even Shubhman Gill might open, according to Gambhir’s statement while interacting with the media.
“At the moment, there is no confirmation, but we will let you know exactly what the situation will be. Hopefully, he’s going to be available, but everything we’re going to get to know at the start of the series. Obviously there is Easwaran, and there is KL there. So we will take a call closer to the first Test match if Rohit is not available. There are options there; it’s not that there are no options there. There are quite a few options in the squad. Once it gets closer to the first Test match, we’ll plan and play the best playing XI that’s going to do the job for us.” Gambhir answered during a press conference on Rohit Sharma’s availability in the Perth Test.
Rahul and Abhimanyu both can play new ball and recently opened in two matches for India A against Australia A. However, both failed to impress as openers, but still, it will be a tough call to take, as Easwaran has a ton of runs in the domestic circuit and Rahul has the experience of playing against tough opponents in hostile situations. Given this, Rahul might open ahead of Eeshwaran in the absence of Rohit, as he is the only second Asian opener after Saeed Anwar to have a century in Australia, England, and South Africa.
Rohit’s absence also raises concern over the captaincy in the first test; however, on that front, everything is sorted. Bumrah has been vice-captain of the Indian test team for a while, and he also led the Indian team for a test in England. Gambhir made it clear in the Press Conference before Team India departs for Australia.
