Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Gambhir says Bumrah will lead India if Rohit is absent

As the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, India's head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the captaincy uncertainty ahead of the first Test against Australia in Perth on November 22. Gambhir confirmed that if Rohit Sharma is unable to play due to personal commitments, star pacer Jasprit Bumrah will step in as the captain for the opening match. Rohit had previously acknowledged uncertainty about his availability, citing family commitments as the primary reason for his possible absence.

Transition or no transition, seniors in team are incredibly hungry: Gambhir

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir on Monday put up a stout defence of under-pressure skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli, saying they are still "incredibly hungry" to perform and will bounce back in Australia.

Gambhir also dismissed theories that he is under pressure after India's 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand.

"There are incredible people in the dressing room who have done a great job," Gambhir said during the pre-departure press conference.

"I am not feeling the heat. It's an honour and privilege to coach the Indian team."

The first Test starts in Perth on November 22.

When asked if he feels pressure like Duncan Fletcher's time when team was in transition, he replied: "I am not thinking about transition but the five Test matches. Transition or no transition, if that has to happen, will happen but I see some incredibly tough characters in that dressing room who are hungry to do well."

He also said the team has options in KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran for the opener's slot. (With PTI inputs)