India’s top-order set for rejig as Rohit, Shubman to miss first Test
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.
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.
Despite the heavy backlash following the series loss, head coach Gautam Gambhir showed no signs of concern, shrugging off all the uproar at the pre-departure presser on Monday.
The 42-year-old, who currently is the mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), suggested that the commentators and cricket experts must be balanced in their approach when it comes to these young players as such praises after mere two-three performances could backfire for them.
The Statesman understands that Gambhir has no experience of coaching at international or domestic level but has been in charge of the coaching staff at two IPL franchises.
In their heydays, both Gambhir and Dhoni were instrumental in two of India’s three ICC title wins.
Gambhir, whose association with the franchise dates back to the fourth edition of the IPL in 2011, was instrumental in reviving a struggling side, taking them to the knockout stages in his first year as captain. Subsequently, the KKR went on to win two titles between 2012 and 2014.
In a post on X, the BJP parliamentarian wrote, "I have requested Party President Jagat Prakash Nadda to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments."
