IND vs AUS 2024: 'Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Passionate, Want To Achieve More For India', And Other Key Takeaways From India Cricket Team Head Coach Gautam Gambhir's Pre Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Presser

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is crucial for the Indian National Cricket Team in several ways, as it will decide the future of their veteran players, their chances of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 Final, and most importantly Gautam Gambhir's position as head coach. Before flying off to Australia for India's five-Test series against the hosts, Gambhir conducted a presser, where the head coach talked about several concerns about the Indian cricket team and the BGT 2024-25. Here are the key takeaways from Gambhir's press conference below. IND vs AUS 2024-25 Schedule: Check List of Fixtures in India vs Australia Test Series With Venues and Match Timings in IST of Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

If Not Rohit Sharma Then Who?

The immediate concern for Team India is whether regular captain Rohit Sharma will feature in the first Test between India and Australia in Perth on November 22. Gambhir remained tight-lipped about the leadership matter and stated that the decision would be made as soon as the IND vs AUS 1st Test 2024 nears, without giving much away. Most likely Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side as the pacer is the designated vice-captain for the series. However, Gambhir did state that if Rohit is unavailable for selection, KL Rahul can replace the player as an opener.

On Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli's Dipping Form

Recent series for captain Rohit Sharma and former skipper Virat Kohli have not yielded the desired results, which was been a major issue for India's losing IND vs NZ Test Series 2024, which invited criticism on the duo from all quarters. Gambhir openly backed his veteran players and stated how Rohit and Kohli have the passion and want to achieve more for India, which is the most important for him as a coach. Gautam Gambhir to be Sacked? Head Coach’s Future In Jeopardy If India Performs Poorly In BGT 2024-25: Report

Gambhir Opens Up On His Performance As Head Coach

The downfall of Indian cricket ever since Gambhir took over as head coach has taken everyone by surprise. With India's chances of playing the WTC 2023-25 Final resting on BGT 2024-25, Gambhir stated he does not feel any pressure and knows well about the peripherals that come around with such a high-profile job. The 43-year-old explained that his job as a coach is to learn from mistakes, improve moving forward as a team, and not sit and defend all the wrongdoings.

Selecting Nitish Kumar Reddy In Test Squad

An all-rounder is crucial in every format of cricket, and India has struggled to find a cricketer suited to this role in Test cricket. Gambhir picked upcoming talent Nitish Kumar Reddy as the lone fast bowling all-rounder for BGT 2024-25, which raised doubts for many. The head coach backed Reddy and stated that all players are the best in India, and when given a chance, everyone will perform.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 11, 2024 01:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).