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.
"I have always believed that international cricket is all about delivering and not grooming someone."
The IP address was also traced to Pakistan. The police are further investigating the matter. Multiple agencies, including the Delhi Police Special Cell, are also monitoring the case.
Earlier Delhi police confirmed that security has been beefed up outside Gambhir’s residence after Gambhir lodged a complaint with Delhi police.
"We haven't seen the best of KL Rahul. Yes, he has got runs, but we still haven't seen what he can achieve in his batting," Gautam Gambhir.
Ashwin last played a T20I in July 2017 against West Indies and had been overlooked in the format since. With Washington Sundar unavailable due to finger injury, it opened doors for Ashwin to secure a place in the 15-man squad.
