New Delhi (Nilesh Tiwari), November 11: Before leaving for Australia for the Border Gavaskar Trophy, Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir held a press conference and answered media questions in Mumbai on Monday.
Here is the brief:
Confirmation On Rohit Sharma’s Availability
“We have no confirmation as of now. We will let you know when we get more details, Hopefully he will be available,”
Gambhir on not sending Harshit Rana for India A series
“He has played one first-class match against Assam. The bowling coach, physios, etc. thought that he had enough practice. Hence, we decided not to send him,”
Gambhir On Opening Options
“If Rohit is not available, we’ve got Easwaran and KL in Australia. We will take a call,”
Gambhir on WTC Final Scenario
“We are not looking at the points table. We are absolutely focused on the Border-Gavaskar series and winning it,” Gambhir on the race to the WTC final scenario.
Gambhir on His Criticism Over His Role As India’s Coach
“When I took the job, I knew that it was going to be a prestigious job and at the same time a tough one. I am not facing any heat. We’re outplayed in all three departments. We accept all the criticism. In Australia, preparation is going to be key. These ten days are going to be very crucial for the Day 1 of the first Test”
On Inclusion of Nitish Kumar Reddy In Test Squad
“Nitish Kumar Reddy has potential and is one for the future, for sure. We have picked out the best players,” Gambhir countered on Nitish Kumar Reddy’s addition to India’s squad for the Australia tour.
On Kohli And Rohit’s Form
“I have no concerns over RohitSharma and Virat Kohli’s form. The hunger in that dressing room is important for me and I feel there is a lot of hunger.”
On Australia conditions
“We have a lot of experienced players who have played in these conditions. Those inputs will be crucial for the young players. We have ten days of preparation ahead of the first Test.”
On the 0-3 series loss
“The learning is to accept that we were outplayed. I’m not here to defend myself. We were outplayed in all three departments. We accept the criticism with both hands.”
On KL Rahul’s role
“It is the quality of the man that allows him to play in many positions. How many people can bat at openers, number 3 or number 6. You need quite a lot of talent to play these roles.”
Gambhir says team is ready to play on any pitches
“We don’t control the wickets they give. We have all the basics covered. Whatever they give, bouncy tracks, turning tracks and green wickets. We still have to go out there and play to our potential. If we do so we can defeat anyone on any wicket.”
Bumrah Potential Skipper for First Test
“Bumrah is the vice-captain. So, if Rohit is unavailable, hopefully he will take up the captaincy.”
