The Indian cricket team will travel to Australia for five Test matches in a few days’ time. The highly-anticipated series is slated to get underway on November 22 in Perth.
In their last two tours, India had performed exceptionally well to clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under. However, the team find itself in a precarious position this time around after losing 0-3 to New Zealand at home.
Moreover, rumours are rife that India skipper Rohit Sharma might miss out on the opening Test due to personal reasons and will join the camp for the second Test in Adelaide.
Amidst all this, a report published in India Today suggests that Rohit will travel to Australia with the team to prepare for BGT. But his participation in the series opener is still doubtful.
"He is travelling but his participation in the 1st Test is yet not confirmed. Will see what happens next anything in regards to this. His availability is subject to his personal matter," a top source told India Today.
Addressing the media after India’s 25-run loss in the Mumbai Test against New Zealand last week, Rohit Sharma had indicated that he is unsure of his "availability" for the Perth Test.
"Right now, I am not too sure whether I'll be going, but let's see. Fingers crossed," Rohit had told reports.
The Indian captain has come under severe criticism after his team’s embarrassing whitewash at the hands of New Zealand on home soil.
Meanwhile, news agency PTI has reported that Rohit was part of a six-hour meeting, conducted by the BCCI to review the disappointing result.
"It was a six-hour marathon meeting, which was obviously on cards after such a debacle. India are going on a tour of Australia, and the BCCI would obviously like to ensure that the team is back on track and would like to know how the think-tank (Gambhir-Rohit-Agarkar) are going about it," a senior BCCI source told PTI.
It was learnt that BCCI officials weren't happy that ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah was rested for the third Test in Mumbai and why the team opted for a rank turner after being outplayed on a similar kind of track in Pune.
"Bumrah's absence was discussed, although it was a precautionary move. Opting for a rank turner despite India not faring well on these tracks are some of the issues that came up for discussion," the source informed.
It can't be confirmed whether Gautam Gambhir's coaching style was scrutinized or not, but it is learnt that some people in the Indian team think tank aren't on the same page with the head coach.
