Gautam Gambhir says KL Rahul can open if Rohit Sharma misses the Perth Test | Cricket News

Just 11 days to go for India’s first Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and coach Gautam Gambhir says he isn’t yet sure if captain Rohit Sharma will be available for that opening match in Perth.
“Look, at the moment there is no confirmation but we guys will let you know exactly what the situation will be. Hopefully, he is going to be available but everything you want to get to know before the start of the series,” Gambhir said at the pre-departure press conference in Mumbai, adding that Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side should Rohit miss the opener.
Rohit is reportedly set to miss the first of the five-match Test series due to personal reasons.
The big question: if not Rohit. Then who will open?
Pune: India’s captain Rohit Sharma walks back after his dismissal during the first day of the second test cricket match between India and New Zealand, at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, in Pune, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)
Gambhir said they have a back-up in KL Rahul.
“There is KL (Rahul) there. There’s Abhimanyu Easwaran there. So, we will take a call closer to the first test match if Rohit is not available. It’s not that there are no options there. There are quite a lot of options in the squad.”
KL Rahul was believed to be auditioning for a middle-order role but now he could be a backup opener. Gambhir said that’s just credit to his versatility.
“That is the quality of a man. That he can actually bat at the top of the order. He can bat at No. 3. And he can actually bat at No. 6 as well. So, you need quite a lot of talent to be doing these kind of jobs as well.
“He’s kept wickets in One-Day format as well. So, imagine how many countries have players like KL who can actually open the batting and can bat at No. 6 as well? I feel that if needed be, I think he can do the job for us. Especially if Rohit is not available for the first Test.”