Gautam Gambhir Rejoins Indian Test Team Ahead of Second Border-Gavaskar Trophy Match in Adelaide

Gautam Gambhir Returns to Coach India for Second Test Against Australia

India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, is set to rejoin the team in Australia on Tuesday after temporarily leaving the touring party for personal reasons. Gambhir had returned home following the conclusion of the first Test in Perth on November 25, where India secured a commanding 295-run victory under the leadership of Jasprit Bumrah.

The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a day-night encounter, is scheduled to begin on December 6 in Adelaide.

Gambhir’s Temporary Absence

During Gambhir’s absence, the Indian support staff comprising Abhishek Nayar, Ryan ten Doeschate, and Morne Morkel managed the team’s preparations. This included overseeing a rain-affected two-day tour game against the Australian Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra, which was shortened to a limited-overs format.

India emerged victorious in the tour game, thanks to Harshit Rana’s impressive 4 for 44 and Shubman Gill’s steady 50 off 62 balls.

Rohit Sharma’s Return Adds to Selection Dilemmas

Gambhir’s return coincides with the arrival of full-time Test captain Rohit Sharma, who had missed the first Test to be with his wife for the birth of their second child. Rohit is expected to reclaim his spot in the playing XI, raising questions about India’s batting order.

Shubman Gill, who missed the Perth Test due to a fractured thumb, is also available for selection, further intensifying discussions about the lineup.

India’s Likely Playing XI for the Second Test

Opening Pair:
Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul formed a formidable partnership in the second innings of the Perth Test, stitching together a double-century stand. Indications suggest they will continue to open in Adelaide.
Middle Order Adjustments:
If Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are included, they could replace Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel, who featured in the Perth Test. Gill is likely to slot in at No. 3, while Rohit could take a middle-order position behind Virat Kohli.
Other Key Starters:
- Rishabh Pant is a certain pick in the middle order as the designated wicketkeeper.
- Jasprit Bumrah, who led the team in Rohit’s absence, will continue to spearhead the bowling attack.

India’s Performance in the First Test

India’s victory in Perth was a statement of intent, with the team excelling under challenging conditions. Bumrah’s leadership and the performances of Rahul and Jaiswal at the top of the order set the tone for a dominant display.

Harshit Rana’s standout bowling in the tour game and Shubman Gill’s composed batting have further bolstered India’s confidence heading into the day-night Test in Adelaide.