Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir stood tall, defended his boys and laid down plans for the tour of Australia while addressing the media ahead of his run for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Gambhir shed light on some raging topics, be it the likely absence of Rohit Sharma from the opening Test in Perth or the form of certain senior players. However, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar shared a rather shocking post on social media, asking the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to never send Gambhir to a press conference again.
Gambhir was addressing the media for the first time since the Indian team's whitewash against New Zealand in a three-match series at home. As expected, some critical questions were asked of him, but Gambhir remained unperturbed and dodged every bullet. Manjrekar, however, was not impressed.
“I just watched Gambhir at the press conference. It may be wise if @BCCI keeps him away from such duties, makes him work behind the scenes. He doesn't have the right behavior or words when dealing with them. Rohit and Agarkar, much better guys to stand up in front of the media,” the former Indian cricketer wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
I just saw Gambhir at the press conference.
Maybe wise for that @BCCI to keep him away from such tasks, let him work behind the scenes. He doesn't have the right behavior or words when dealing with them. Rohit & Agarkar, much better guys to stand up in front of the media.— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) November 11, 2024
During the press conference, Gambhir did not clarify captain Rohit Sharma's availability for the Perth Test but confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team if the skipper misses.
“Look, at the moment there is no confirmation, but we will let you know exactly what the situation will be. Hopefully he will be available, but everything you want to know before the start of the series.”
“Bumrah is the vice-captain, so obviously he will (lead the team). If Rohit is not available, he will take charge in Perth,” Gambhir added.
Gambhir also confirmed that KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran are the best candidates to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal if Rohit does not feature in the Perth Test.
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