Indian men’s cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir has confirmed that star pacer Jasprit Bumrah will captain the team in the first Test against Australia if regular captain Rohit Sharma is unavailable due to personal reasons.
Speaking at the pre-departure press conference for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Mumbai on November 11, Gambhir stated, “Bumrah is vice-captain; if Rohit is not available, he is going to lead in Perth.” The head coach further said that KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran are options for opening if Sharma is not available for the first Test against Australia.
On the recent loss in India-New Zealand test series, Gambhir said, “Criticism we are facing, we are taking it with both hands. We need to move forward, Australia is new series.
Gambhir also dismissed theories that he is under pressure after India’s 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand. “There are incredible people in the dressing room who have done a great job,” Gambhir said during the pre-departure press conference. “I am not feeling the heat. It’s an honour and privilege to coach the Indian team.” The first Test starts in Perth on November 22.
When asked if he feels pressure like Duncan Fletcher’s time when team was in transition, he replied: “I am not thinking about transition but the five Test matches. Transition or no transition, if that has to happen, will happen but I see some incredibly tough characters in that dressing room who are hungry to do well.”
The highly anticipated first Test between India and Australia will be held at the Optus Stadium in Perth starting November 22.
(With inputs from PTI)