Nitish Kumar Reddy was primarily preferred over the seasoned spinning duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja for the opening Test against Australia to ease off the pressure from the frontline quicks in Perth
With three days remaining for the opening Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth, the Indian think tank led by head coach Gautam Gambhir has been challenged on several fronts.
“Their last two series wins out here they had Ravi Shastri who was fantastic,” Paine said.
While Gambhir is hopeful of Rohit’s availability, he is also happy with the options — both from an opening and leadership standpoint, in case Rohit doesn’t make it.
“What does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket? I think he should think about Australian cricket. More importantly, I have got no concerns whatsoever for Virat and Rohit,” Gambhir said in the press conference ahead of the team’s departure for a challenging five-Test tour to Australia.
Gautam Gambhir also suggested that India should forget what transpired on the third day of the first Test and focus on the second match.
Gautam Gambhir had earlier asked for Rohit to be made the Indian captain when the latter had led Mumbai Indians to their fifth IPL glory
Rohit on Tuesday led Mumbai Indians to their fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) title after they defeated Delhi Capitals by five wickets
On Friday, a member at Gautam Gambhir's home tested positive for Covid-19 after which he had gone into self isolation.
Calling out Kohli for his lack of responsibility, Gambhir had suggested that RCB should bring a change in captaincy in the next edition of IPL.
