New Delhi: As the Indian men’s cricket team gears up for the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, head coach Gautam Gambhir has announced that pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah will lead India in the first Test against Australia if regular captain Rohit Sharma is unavailable due to personal reasons. Gambhir addressed the media during a pre-departure press conference in Mumbai on Monday, confirming Bumrah’s readiness to step in as skipper should the need arise.
“Bumrah is the vice-captain, so he will take charge if Rohit is not available. He is set to lead the team in Perth,” Gambhir stated, emphasizing Bumrah’s ability to command the team in the high-stakes series opener.
Bumrah’s Leadership Experience in Test Cricket
Bumrah, known for his sharp pace and tactical acumen, is no stranger to the captaincy role in the Test format. He previously led India against England in the rescheduled Edgbaston Test on July 1, 2022. Although that match didn’t go India’s way, Bumrah showcased resilience and a growing aptitude for leadership on the field.
Rohit Sharma, who captained India to a 2-1 victory over Australia in the previous edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy held in India earlier this year, is reportedly set to miss the initial leg of the Australian tour. While the team is scheduled to depart for Australia on Monday, Rohit is expected to join the squad a few days later.
When asked about Rohit’s availability, Gambhir was cautiously optimistic. “At this moment, there’s no confirmation. We are hopeful he will join us in time, but we’ll update everyone on the situation closer to the series start,” he explained, highlighting that clarity over Rohit’s participation would come just before the Perth Test.
Rohit’s Absence: Challenges for India’s Opening Line-up
If Rohit is unavailable for the first Test, India will face a dual challenge not only missing his captaincy but also needing a reliable opener. Gambhir outlined the options, naming KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran as potential candidates to open in Rohit’s absence. However, he confirmed that the final decision would be made closer to the match date.
“Abhimanyu Easwaran and KL (Rahul) are both in the running. We’ll decide on the opening pair once we have more clarity about Rohit’s status. We’re fortunate to have multiple options within the squad to select the best playing XI,” Gambhir remarked.
Rahul Dravid Engages with Young Cricketers at Rajasthan Royals Cricket Cup 2024
Amid the excitement for the upcoming Test series, Team India’s head coach Rahul Dravid took a brief detour to inspire young female cricketers at the Rajasthan Royals Cricket Cup 2024. The former captain shared valuable insights and even played a friendly game, leaving a lasting impression on the aspiring players. Dravid’s involvement underscores his commitment to nurturing future talent while balancing his responsibilities with the national team.
As India sets its sights on retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, all eyes will be on Perth, where Bumrah might take center stage as captain. With a dynamic squad and Gambhir’s strategic backing, India hopes to start the series on a strong note, whether led by Rohit Sharma or Jasprit Bumrah.
