BGT 2024-25: Gautam Gambhir drops hints of KL Rahul playing Perth Test amid Rohit Sharma’s uncertainty (source – Getty Images)
India head coach Gautam Gambhir revealed that there’s no certainty over Rohit Sharma’s availability for the first Test against Australia in Perth. He noted that a decision will be made in the next few days and in case he misses out, Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team. In the meantime, the 43-year-old also highlighted that Abhimanyu Easwaran and KL Rahul are in a race to replace Rohit in case he ends up missing the game.
Notably, both Easwaran and Rahul had a horrid time in the practice game against Australia A in Melbourne. Following which, there were talks about Shubman Gill going back to opening but Gambhir acknowledged that the team management hasn’t discussed or decided anything. However, he dropped hints of the team management preferring a senior. He talked about Rahul’s experience and added that the playing XI will be picked closer to the first Test.
The Delhi-born also mentioned that the team is not focusing on the World Test Championship final and that every series that they play holds importance.
“Not looking at WTC final qualification. Every series is important irrespective of what’s happened in the past. We are keen to go and perform well in Australia. Abhimanyu Easwaran, KL Rahul are the options we have as Rohit’s replacement. Will choose to play the best XI closer to the first Test,” said Gambhir in the press conference.
“There are times you go with experienced players as well. He can bat at the top, middle order and at No. 6 as well. He can keep wicket; can do the job for us if Rohit is not available for the first Test,” he added.
Not thinking about Transition: Gambhir
After a humiliating 3-0 series defeat at home, there were reports of BCCI sending an ultimatum to Rohit, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. It was said that a few, if not all will be dropped from the squad after the Australia series as India will undergo a transition. Speaking on the same, Gambhir stated that he’s not concerned about that and his focus is now complete on the Australia series.
“I am not thinking about transition. All I am thinking right now is about the Test series vs Australia. Transition or no transition will keep happening. But at the moment the focus has to be on the Test series,” he concluded.