IND vs AUS: Yet To Take A Call, Gambhir Says KL Rahul Can Do The Job If Rohit Is Unavailable For Perth Test

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Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir will keep the selection options for 1st Test against Australia open until later, but said versatile KL Rahul can do the job if Rohit Sharma is unavailable for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Perth.

Skipper Rohit is reportedly set to miss the first Test, starting on November 22 at the Optus Stadium in Perth, where India will need to look at another opening partner for Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Uncapped Abhimanyu Easwaran was included in the squad as cover, while India also has the option of using Rahul and Shubman Gill, who opened earlier in Tests, in the opener's slot. Rahul and Easwaran both flopped in their audition during India A's unofficial Test against Australia A last week.

While there remains a cloud over the possible vacant opener's slot for the series opener Down Under, Gambhir has clarified the team's contingency plans in case captain Rohit is unavailable for the first Test.

"If Rohit is not available for the first Test match, there is KL Rahul. We will take a call closer to the first match," Gambhir said during a press conference. Gambhir emphasized the importance of every series and the readiness of the Indian team to face Australia.

"When you play for your country, every series is important. Irrespective of the past, for us, it is two good teams playing against each other and we are absolutely keen to go out there, perform and win the series," he added.

Highlighting KL Rahul's versatility, Gambhir stated, "There are times you go with experienced players as well. He can bat at the top, middle order and at No. 6 as well. He can keep wicket; can do the job for us if Rohit is not available for the 1st Test."

This flexibility makes Rahul a valuable asset for the team, capable of adapting to various roles as needed. But, any player would perform better if he has an assigned role. Rahul may be struggling for runs due to him being shuffled in the batting order, especially in Tests.

On Rohit's availability, Gambhir provided an update but kept the final decision open, adding, "There is no confirmation. We'll let you know. Hopefully he'll be available. Everything you'll get to know by the start of the series."

Rohit did not travel with the first batch that left for Australia on Sunday (November 10). It will be interesting to see if he joins the travelling party on Monday (November 11). According to reports, Rohit will join the team in time for the second Test, starting on December 6 in Adelaide.