India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has put his weight behind veteran duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia. The pair could not deliver in the home Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand and they are under the pump.
Rohit scored 91 runs in three Test matches against the Kiwis at an average of 15.17 whereas Virat Kohli could only score 93 runs in three Test matches at an average of 15.50.
Furthermore, Rohit could only manage 42 runs in two Test matches at an average of 10.50 against Bangladesh, Kohli scored 99 runs in the same series at an average of 33.
However, Kohli has scored 2042 runs in 25 Test matches against Australia at an average of 47.48, including eight centuries. Kohli has even better numbers while playing in Australia as he has scored 1352 runs in 13 Test matches at an impressive average of 54.08, including six centuries.
“What does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket? He should think about Australian cricket. I got no concerns whatsoever for Rohit and Virat. I think they are incredibly tough men and they have achieved a lot for Indian cricket and will continue to do so. My role is to ensure that their hunger is still there and they continue to work really hard,” Gambhir said in the press conference.
Rohit Sharma is currently not travelling with the team due to personal reasons but Gambhir has still not closed the selection door on the captain.
“We have no confirmation as of now. We will let you know when we get more details. Hopefully he will be available,” the coach said of Rohit Sharma’s availability for the series opener.
On the other hand, Washington Sundar shined for India in the last two Test matches against New Zealand. Sundar picked 16 wickets in two Test matches at an average of 14.12.
Speaking on Sundar’s form, Gambhir said, “You guys were criticising when we picked him. It’s good for Indian cricket that the next generation of players are stepping up.”
“The only conversation I have had with the players is to ask them to keep the team ahead of any personal milestones. And that is how team sport is meant to be played. The smallest of things will make a huge difference. When you start thinking about the team, other things will take the backseat. That is something we will continue to speak to the players about. We want to be seen as absolutely selfless and more importantly absolutely positive,” Gambhir continued.
The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.
