Team India will be playing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting from November 22, with the first Test being held at Perth. There is a possibility that Rohit Sharma will not be available for first Test and a big question that was looming around was about who’ll be leading Team India in his absence? Gautam Gambhir addressed the press-conference today and named a star player that will take the charge if Rohit Sharma is unavailable.

Jasprit Bumrah Will Be Leading In 1st Test

“Bumrah is vice-captain; if Rohit is not available, he is going to lead in Perth,” Gambhir stated during a pre-departure press conference in Mumbai. Rohit Sharma, while not currently with the squad, has not been officially ruled out of the series opener, according to Gambhir. “At the moment, there is no confirmation but we will let you know exactly what the situation will be. Hopefully he’s going to be available, but everything we’re going to get to know at the start of the series” 

Will Abhimanyu Easwaran And KL Rahul Open?

The first batch of India’s squad has already departed for Australia and the second one is set to depart today. Gambhir highlighted on the need to have a proper plan if Rohit Sharma is unavailable. He further mentioned about Abhimanyu Easwaran and KL Rahul ready to step up as openers.

“Obviously there is [Abhimanyu] Easwaran and there is [KL [Rahul] there. So we will take a call closer to the first Test match if Rohit is not available,” Gambhir said. “There are options there, it’s not that there are no options there. There are quite a few options in the squad.