India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir is set to rejoin the touring squad in Australia on Tuesday, following his temporary absence due to personal reasons. Gambhir had returned to India after the first Test in Perth, which concluded on November 25, to attend to family matters.
During his absence, the team’s preparation and participation in a rain-affected two-day practice match against the Australian Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra were managed by the support staff, comprising Abhishek Nayar, Ryan ten Doeschate, and Morne Morkel. The match, eventually converted to a limited-overs game, saw India secure a six-wicket victory, with key contributions from Harshit Rana (4 for 44) and Shubman Gill (50 off 62 balls).
The upcoming second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a day-night encounter, is scheduled to begin on December 6 in Adelaide. Gambhir’s return comes at a crucial time as the team management faces significant decisions regarding the playing XI. Rohit Sharma, the full-time Test captain, has joined the squad after missing the first Test to be with his wife for the birth of their second child. His inclusion creates a selection conundrum, especially in the batting order.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul’s stellar double-century partnership in Perth has solidified their positions as openers. This leaves Gill, now recovered from a fractured thumb, as a probable choice for the No. 3 spot, replacing Devdutt Padikkal. Rohit Sharma might slot into the middle order, joining Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant.
The Indian team enters the Adelaide Test with momentum after their commanding 295-run victory in Perth under Jasprit Bumrah’s captaincy. The return of Gambhir and the availability of key players like Rohit and Gill are expected to further bolster the squad as they aim to extend their lead in the series.