Gambhir backs KL Rahul as Opener if Rohit Sharma misses Perth Test

Team India coach happy with his options despite uncertainty over Rohit's availability

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

One of the major uncertainties heading into the Border-Gavaskar series is the availability of Rohit Sharma, who could miss the opening Test in Perth due to personal reasons.

While Gambhir is hopeful of Rohit's availability, he is also happy with the options – both from an opening and leadership standpoint, in case Rohit doesn't make it.

"(Jasprit) Bumrah is the vice-captain, if Rohit is not available, he's going to lead us," said Gambhir on the leadership role.

"At the moment, there's no confirmation. But we guys will let you know exactly what the situation will be. Hopefully, he's going to be available but everything you will get to know before the start of the series. Obviously, there's (Abhimanyu) Eeswaran, there's KL Rahul there. So we will take a call closer to the first Test match if Rohit is not available. There are options there," Gambhir said.

Rahul and Abhimanyu opened for India A in the second four-day match against Australia A, but both returned low scores. Abhimanyu, who also played the first game of that series, had scores of 7, 12, 0 and 17 across the two games, while Rahul made 4 and 10 in the two innings in his only game.