Mumbai: India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir defended captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli, who are under pressure due to their recent poor performance, saying that both these senior players are hungry to score runs and will make a strong comeback in Australia. Gambhir also rejected reports that the Indian team is under pressure after losing all three Test matches in the home series against New Zealand.
Gambhir said in a press conference before leaving for the Australia tour, “The Indian team has incredible players who have played their roles brilliantly so far.” He said, “I am not feeling any kind of pressure. It is an honour and privilege to be the coach of the Indian team.” The first Test match between India and Australia will be played in Perth from November 22.
When Gambhir was asked whether he feels the same pressure as he did during Duncan Fletcher’s time when the team was in a phase of change, he said, “I am not thinking about change but about five Test matches. Whether there is a change or not, if it has to happen then it will happen, but I see some incredible players in the Indian team who are desperate to perform well.”
The Indian coach also confirmed that if Rohit Sharma is unable to play in the first Test match due to personal reasons, then vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team. He also said that the team has options in the form of KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran for the opening batsman’s spot.
