India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has confirmed that if regular skipper Rohit Sharma is unavailable for the first Test of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will take over the leadership duties. The highly anticipated opening match of the four-Test series is scheduled to begin on November 22 in Perth, and the Indian team is already in the midst of preparations for what promises to be a fiercely contested series.
During a pre-departure press conference in Mumbai, Gambhir revealed, “Bumrah is vice-captain; if Rohit is not available, he is going to lead in Perth.” The confirmation comes as India prepares for a potential change in leadership, as Rohit Sharma has not yet joined the squad and his availability for the series opener remains uncertain. Gambhir explained that there has been no official ruling out of Rohit for the first Test, stating, “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 will become clear at the start of the series.” This leaves fans and analysts eagerly awaiting updates on the captaincy situation as the team gears up for the opening match in just over a week.
The Indian squad is traveling to Australia in two separate batches, with the first group having left on November 10, and the second set to depart today. As part of the team's strategic planning, Gambhir acknowledged the importance of having backup options for the opening spot in case Rohit is unavailable. He mentioned that both Abhimanyu Easwaran and KL Rahul are in the squad and are fully prepared to step up as opening batsmen if needed. “Obviously, there is [Abhimanyu] Easwaran and [KL] Rahul. So, we will take a call closer to the first Test match if Rohit is not available. There are options there, it’s not that there are no options,” Gambhir said, underlining the flexibility in the squad.
In terms of preparation for the upcoming series, the Indian team has chosen to hold an extended camp in Perth, which will also include players from the India A squad. Rather than opting for a traditional practice match, the management has decided to conduct center-wicket practice sessions and match simulations to better mimic the conditions they are likely to encounter during the Tests. This decision reflects the team’s commitment to refining specific skills and enhancing match readiness through focused, high-intensity sessions. Gambhir explained that the approach is designed to fine-tune both the technical and mental aspects of the players’ game, ensuring that they are fully prepared for the rigors of a four-match series against Australia on their home soil.
The extended camp and strategic preparations are critical for India’s hopes of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a series that has consistently produced gripping and competitive cricket. With Australia boasting a formidable lineup and a challenging home advantage, the Indian team will need to be at their very best to succeed. Both the leadership question and the team’s preparation in the lead-up to the series are likely to be key talking points as the Test series approaches, with Indian fans eagerly watching for any further updates.
