Gambhir hopeful of Rohit availability, no confirmation given yet. Rahul has addressed a fair bit of backlash off late, and has been named in the squad for BGT. In the upcoming series, players’ aim will be to prove the people wrong. Considering Rohit is going to rest for the 1st Test, his role in that match could be crucial.
The return of some of the senior and experienced players would be a confidence-booster for the Indians. Rohit Sharma (C) Jasprit Bumrah VC Yashasvi Jaiswal Abhimanyu Easwaran Shubman Gill Virat Kohli KL Rahul Rishabh Pant (WK) Sarfaraz Khan Dhruv Jurel (WK) R Ashwin R Jadeja Mohd. Siraj Akash Deep Prasidh Krishna Harshit Rana Nitish Kumar Reddy Washington Sundar
Australia’s squad for the BGT was released and one of the new faces included in the squad is 25-year-old Australian cricketer Nathan McSweeney. It is likely that he will make his Test debut at the opening position. Here is their squad- Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc
The Indian team is in the process of selecting team officials as well as giving rest to players that were part of the recently concluded tour. For example, Gambhir thanked the journalists for their questions and shied away from the event because he is heading to Australia shortly. Indian head coach’s media interaction was effective – short and simple without excessive elaborations.
According to Gambhir, if Rohit fails to show up for the first test match, Kohli will actually be donning the Vice-Captain’s robe come match day, not Bumrah. While confirming this, Gambhir stated, “Bumrah is the vice-captain so he’s going to lead if Rohit is not available”
He continued to bolster his players, ‘You guys sound so worried arguing about transition. Players remain hungry, transition or not.’ “The only chat I’ve had is to keep Indian cricket above all. Team crossed personal records. Team is all sports spirit. We will keep getting bored. Smallest of things will have a massive impact on us. You will be expected to be dull sometimes.”
“Once you start thinking of the team going forward, almost everything else has to take a back seat,” he stated.
Spearheading the way, he said, “There was a lot of criticism of Washington Sundar from all of you. Jurel looked good as well. Excellent to see some of the youngsters stepping up.”
Yes, I do certainly think that means that he has picked the right balance in selection as well as provided Rahul the confidence to change his role for the team. It’s a win-win situation, don’t you think?”, asked Gambhir the question.
Gambhir smiled and spoke about Rahul, ‘In many situations, you have to rely on those who are more experienced. He has the ability to open, play at number 6 and even anywhere in between. He can do the keeping role as well and is a suitable option in case Rohit cannot play the first Test City’.”
Concerning the most recent loss for India against New Zealand in the context of his relations with captain Rohit Sharma, he explained, “We were outplayed. Not going to defend. The criticism we are receiving we take it with both hands and we keep going forward. My relationship with Rohit is great.”
Gambhir also voiced himself on the other hand talking about the forthcoming Test series challenges he said, “Challenge is the conditions. Different in India and Australia. Be it support staff or players. If we can get good preparation then nothing like it. We have been to Australia many times so that experience would be important. Ready to fire from ball one.”
It comes after India’s defeat to New Zealand that Gambhir has turned into a target of criticism and trolling on social media. Recently when he was questioned about it, Gambhir reportedly said, “What difference does social media make? I am not in the heat; there are tough players in the dressing room. It’s an absolute honor to be coaching them.”
Meanwhile, Harshit Rana has been named in the India squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as well. Of Rana, he stated, “He’s had enough bowling. Important for fast bowlers to be fresh. Five test series so trainers and physios thought he is better off.”
Each series is crucial and this has no bearing on the state of affairs before. Every series is crucial and one would be enthusiastic to go and perform. Easwaran, KL to replace Rohit. “To play best XI closer than the 1st Test,” said Gambhir when asked about the chances of India in the WTC.
“There is no confirmation. We’ll cross the bridge when we get there. Hopefully he’ll be available. Everything you’ll get to know with the commencement of the series December 22.” Gambhir added.
There he is! Gambhir comes to the front of the room and the camera zooms in on him. He is on his own! No Agarkar, No Rohit! Now questions begin!
Will Rohit be seen at the journalists’ room? Well, he was the first batch of players to not leave for Australia. He is going to be the second batch who is going to be leaving later. The likes of Gill, Siraj, Sundar, Akash Deep and Jaiswal will reach Australia via Singapore in transit.
The press conference is on live now! The camera pans onto the chair but Gambhir still does not have his seat ready. Patience, people! Before departing to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the head coach of India will have some questions coming his way which are sure to fire him up. Why are there 2 more chairs around him? This adds an interesting touch to the situation.
Are those too going to be marketable? Will it be Ajit Agarkar? Or Rohit Sharma maybe?
Gambhir expects the batters to recover after getting crushed by New Zealand and have a better performance when playing with Australia. The focus will mostly be on Rohit and Kohli as they didn’t perform well against New Zealand. Kohli only managed to earn 93 runs from the bat in six innings, whereas Rohit was a little worse with a score of 91 runs.
It is understood that in order for India to compete with Australia on their home turf, let alone win them, both Kohli and Rohit need to get going. It has been ages since both attacked the opposition together or both had a series to remember. The one which is recent and comes to mind is the 2023 ODI World Cup. So you know: winning chances for India increases what seem to be unassailable targets for these two.
About two months ago Ricky Ponting made a prediction that Australia will win 3-1 against India and sticks by it. Aside from him, there have been no such definite score lines on papers about the finals but the air vibe is very Aussie plummeting. And one can understand why it happens.
Many just came out of a shocking result in the Indian calendar year, and when it is an Australia then a sunny afternoon, it is hard to win on that land as well. But hold on a second, just yesterday Pakistan defeated Australia in the One Day International Series which meant their own cricket was in some sort of shambles. Both the teams are not in the best of touch which is what makes it even more intriguing about what they have to offer in this all-important contest.
Hey there folks. Feeling Blue on a Monday? Well, don’t. Because, us and Team India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir are back to help you with the bumpy start of the day and the week. Most of you might be on the move right now, and for those of you who are taking any mode of public transport, take a keen eye towards this space if you want some giggles.
Team India head coach Gambhir is expected to speak to the reporters’ before leaving for Australia along with the Indian team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. I mean, it has to be said, this is going to be a proper curtain raiser even when the real action is still a month away. The actual activities out on the ground are scheduled to begin on the 22nd of November.