India's Australia tour: 7 key developments from Gautam Gambhir's press conference

As the second batch of the Indian team flies to Australia for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, head coach Gautam Gambhir spoke to the media in the traditional pre-departure press conference. Gambhir, who spoke to journalists for the first time after the Indian team's 0-3 defeat in the Test series against New Zealand, had to face some tricky questions on Monday. The Indian coach himself is facing a lot of criticism due to the recent results, while some senior players of the team like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are also in the headlines for their poor form.

Along with the form issues, there is also suspense over captain Rohit's availability for the opening Test in Perth. While Rohit has not traveled with the team Down Under, Gambhir refused to confirm whether he would definitely be out of the Perth Test.

Key events of Gautam Gambhir's press conference in Mumbai:

– While it is known that Australia is one of the toughest places for any team to win a Test match, Gambhir said during the press conference that “the conditions in Australia will be the biggest challenge.”

– Due to the results achieved in the New Zealand Test series, the current mood in the Indian team is clearly dejected and depressing, with Gambhir confident that “after ten days of preparation the team will be in good shape.”

– While there is still no confirmation on Rohit's availability for the Perth Test, Gambhir confirmed that vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team in case the hitman misses out. In Rohit's absence, one of KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran will open.

– When Gambhir was asked about the 0-3 defeat at home against the Kiwis, he accepted the criticism and said that the Indian team was “beaten in all three departments.”

– Regarding KL Rahul's form, Gambhir gave his vote of confidence to the versatile wicketkeeper batsman. He backed Rahul, who can bat as an opener, No. 3 or No. 6 for India if Rohit is unavailable for Perth.

There may be concerns about form for senior players like Rohit, Kohli and some others, but Gambhir said there is a lot of hunger in the dressing room, especially after the result of the last series.

– Shardul Thakur had done commendable work for India on the last Australia tour but this time he is not a part of the team. Gambhir has expressed confidence in Nitish that if the team needs him, he will play the role of an all-round player.