With just 11 days to go for India’s first Test against Australia coach Gautam Gambhir expressed confidence in KL Rahul to step in as opener, should Rohit Sharma miss out for personal reasons.

Stressing that things weren’t clear over whether captain rohit sharma will be available for that opening match in Perth, Gambhir at the departure press conference said, “Look, at the moment there is no confirmation but we guys will let you know exactly what the situation will be. Hopefully, Rohit is going to be available, but everything you want to know, you will before the start of the series,” Gambhir said at the pre-departure press conference in Mumbai, adding that Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side should Rohit miss the opener.

Gambhir reckons India have a back-up in KL Rahul, and even if bruised by Scott Boland, the experienced pro can summon the temperament when required. “There is KL (Rahul) there. There’s Abhimanyu Easwaran there. So, we will take a call closer to the first Test match if Rohit is not available. It’s not that there are no options. There are quite a lot of options in the squad,” he stressed.