India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, will rejoin the Indian cricket team in Australia on Tuesday, after returning to India due to “personal reasons” shortly after the conclusion of the first Test in Perth. Gambhir had left the squad on November 26, the scheduled final day of the first Test, and missed India’s two-day tour game against the Australian Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra.
The match, initially scheduled as a two-day fixture, was cut short to a limited-overs contest due to rain on the first day. Despite Gambhir’s absence, the Indian team, led by stand-in support staff including Abhishek Nayar, Ryan ten Doeschate, and Morne Morkel, managed to secure a six-wicket victory. Key performances came from Harshit Rana (4 for 44) and Shubman Gill (50 from 62 balls), who played pivotal roles in the win.
Gambhir’s return comes just in time for India’s preparation for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a day-night encounter set to begin in Adelaide on December 6. His involvement will be crucial as the team navigates tricky decisions regarding their playing XI, especially with the returns of key players.
Rohit Sharma, the full-time Test captain, had missed the first Test to be with his wife for the birth of their second child. In his absence, Jasprit Bumrah captained India to a dominant 295-run victory. Rohit is expected to rejoin the squad for the second Test and could be involved in discussions about the team’s composition.
Shubman Gill, who had been sidelined with a thumb injury, is also back in the mix after missing the first Test. With the team having a wealth of options, including a strong opening partnership from Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, India faces a selection dilemma. Jaiswal and Rahul had impressed in Perth, putting on a double-century first-wicket stand in India’s second innings.
Reports from the pink-ball tour match, although reduced in scope, suggest that Jaiswal and Rahul will continue as openers, with Gill potentially replacing Devdutt Padikkal at No. 3. This would allow Rohit to slot into the middle order behind Virat Kohli. Rishabh Pant, a key figure in the middle order, is also expected to feature in the playing XI.
As the Indian team prepares for the crucial second Test in Adelaide, the arrival of Gambhir will add stability to the decision-making process, as India aims to maintain their momentum in the series.
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