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Rohit Sharma Out Of 1st Test vs Australia? Gambhir Reveals India's Backup Captain And Opener

KL Rahul might open the batting in Rohit's absence [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X]KL Rahul might open the batting in Rohit's absence [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X]

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has revealed that KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran would be India's makeshift openers if Rohit Sharma misses the first Test of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Notably, Indian captain Rohit Sharma won't travel to Down Under with the team but hasn't yet been ruled out of the series opener in Perth, as he is expected to join his troops by the third week of this month. 

KL Rahul Or Easwaran Likely To Replace Rohit In Perth: Gautam Gambhir

However, in case the skipper doesn't make it to Australia in time, India will replace him with either KL Rahul or Abhimanyu Easwaran at the top order. With Yashasvi Jaiswal all set to play his first Test in Australia, the visitors would be keen to test one of these two players to blunt the new ball. 

During India's pre-departure press conference, Gambhir revealed that Rahul and Easwaran are the frontrunners to replace Rohit as Jaiswal's opening partner. He also heaped massive praise on Rahul for ensuring flexibility in the Indian batting lineup. 

"KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran are options for opening if Rohit Sharma is not available for the first Test against Australia. KL Rahul can open, he can bat at No.3, he can also bat at No.6. That's a good thing, not many players can offer such options," Gambhir stated. 

Jasprit Bumrah To Lead India If Rohit Sharma Misses Perth Test

The Indian head coach also confirmed that ace speedster Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team in Perth if regular skipper Rohit Sharma doesn't feature in the series opener. Bumrah has led India in a solitary Test match, which the visitors lost to England in Edgbaston.