Gambhir Discusses Rohit Sharma’s Availability Options Ahead of India-Australia Series
Gautam Gambhir is optimistic that Rohit Sharma will be ready for the opening Test against Australia in Perth, although he’s satisfied with the alternative options if Rohit is unable to play.
Gambhir confirmed that if Rohit is unavailable, Jasprit Bumrah, as the appointed vice-captain, will “obviously step in as captain” in his absence.
“There’s no official confirmation yet, but we’ll inform everyone of the exact situation. Hopefully, Rohit will be available, but we’ll have full clarity as the series begins,” Gambhir shared during a press conference in Mumbai before the squad’s departure to Australia.
Five players – Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Yashasvi Jaiswal – have already left for Australia, with the rest of the squad scheduled to fly out on Monday. However, Gambhir didn’t confirm whether Rohit would be on that flight.
Rohit’s participation in the first Test is uncertain due to personal reasons, and there is no final word on his availability.
This situation raises questions about who will open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal if Rohit is absent.
“There are [Abhimanyu] Easwaran and KL [Rahul] in the squad. We’ll make a final decision closer to the first Test if Rohit isn’t available,” Gambhir explained. “We have several options to consider, so it’s not like we’re lacking choices.”
Rahul and Abhimanyu recently opened for India A in the second four-day match against Australia A but had low scores. Abhimanyu played both games in that series, scoring 7, 12, 0, and 17, while Rahul scored 4 and 10 in his one game.
Originally, Rahul was expected to play a middle-order role in Tests, but Rohit’s potential absence brings him back into the running as an opener.
“There are situations where we might prefer experienced players. That’s one of Rahul’s strengths; he can open, bat at No. 3, or even No. 6,” Gambhir said about Rahul. “Few countries have players like KL, who can open or slot in lower as needed, and he’s also kept wickets in ODIs.”
Rahul’s experience against the new ball in overseas conditions is an asset. He’s one of two Asian openers – the other being Saeed Anwar – with Test hundreds in Australia, England, and South Africa.
Shubman Gill is another option; he made his Test debut as an opener in Australia but has since shifted to the upper-middle order.
“We’ll select the best combination for the Perth Test. Whether it’s Shubman, Easwaran, or KL opening, we’ll decide based on what we believe is the most effective lineup,” Gambhir stated.
The first Test in Perth is scheduled to start on November 22.
