Gautam Gambhir dismissed concerns over the form of star batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, but India's coach did little to address the uncertainty lingering over the former's availability for the start of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
Gambhir, fronting the press for the first time since the remarkable 0-3 defeat to New Zealand and ahead of his first overseas Test tour as head coach, was as combative in his pre-departure media conference as he was during his 13-year international playing career.
India’s first Test series loss at home in more than a decade has led to questions over whether a previously formidable group of players can pull off a third consecutive triumph on a Test trip to Australia.
The potential absence of captain Rohit for the series opener due to personal reasons is a chief concern. Gambhir only said the 37-year-old "hopefully" will play and confirmed vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah would lead if he does not.
"At the moment, there is no confirmation but we will let you know exactly what the situation will be," Gambhir said of Rohit, who was not believed to be among an initial group of Test squad members who have arrived in Australia over recent days
India are facing questions over the form of their star batters and whether their skipper will be available for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series opener
