India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, is set to rejoin the team in Australia on Tuesday, following his return to India due to personal reasons. Gambhir had missed India’s two-day tour match against the Australian Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra, which was shortened to a limited-overs contest due to rain. He had left after the first Test in Perth, which concluded on November 25, and returned to India the following day.
The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a highly anticipated day-night match in Adelaide, is scheduled to start on December 6. Gambhir’s absence meant that the support staff, including Abhishek Nayar, Ryan ten Doeschate, and Morne Morkel, took over training duties for the team.
ALSO READ: Don Bradman’s Iconic Baggy Green Cap To Be Auctioned: A Piece Of Cricketing History
They were present during the Canberra fixture, which India won by six wickets, with key performances from Harshit Rana (4 for 44) and Shubman Gill, who scored 50 runs off 62 balls. Now that Gambhir is returning, he will be part of crucial discussions about India’s playing XI.
Gautam Gambhir Leaves India To Join Rohit Sharma-led Team In Australia For 2nd Test#GautamGambhir #RohitSharma #India #Austraia #INDvsAUShttps://t.co/1fPwxY7ru1
— Republic (@republic) December 2, 2024
Rohit Sharma, the regular Test captain, rejoined the team after missing the first Test to be with his wife for the birth of their second child. Jasprit Bumrah, who captained India in Rohit’s absence, led the team to a dominant 295-run victory in Perth. With Rohit and Gill back in the mix, the team faces some selection dilemmas. Gill, who missed the Perth Test due to a thumb injury, is also in contention.
WATCH – LSG Owner Hints At Rishabh Pant’s Batting Role For IPL 2025
If India includes both Rohit Sharma and Shubamn Gill in the playing XI, it could mean replacing Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel, who played in the first Test. The opening combination will likely remain unchanged, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul expected to continue as openers. Gill could slot in at No. 3, with Rohit potentially moving down to the middle order alongside Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant securing a spot in the middle order.
