BGT 2024-25: Gautam Gambhir rejoins India Test squad in Australia amidst series tension
Xtra Time Web Desk: Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, is set to rejoin the team in Australia on Tuesday after addressing personal matters back in India. Gambhir missed the two-day tour match against the Australian Prime Minister's XI in Canberra, which was reduced to a limited-overs game due to rain. During his absence, the support staff comprising Abhishek Nayar, Ryan ten Doeschate, and Morne Morkel oversaw training and guided India to a six-wicket win, with standout performances from Harshit Rana (4 for 44) and Shubman Gill (50 off 62 balls).
The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a pink-ball day-night encounter in Adelaide, begins on December 6. Gambhir's return aligns with key decisions regarding India's playing XI. Rohit Sharma, back as the full-time captain after missing the first Test due to personal reasons, is expected to reclaim his spot. In Rohit's absence, Jasprit Bumrah led India to a commanding 295-run victory in the Perth Test.
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Shubman Gill, sidelined from the first Test due to a fractured thumb, has also recovered and is likely to feature in the XI. However, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul forming a formidable opening partnership with a double-century stand in Perth, India's batting order faces a reshuffle.
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Indications suggest Jaiswal and Rahul will retain their roles at the top, with Gill slotting in at No. 3, while Rohit could bat in the middle order alongside Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant. The final composition will be a critical talking point as India strategizes for the second Test in Adelaide.
