Virat Kohli touches down in Perth ahead of first Test in Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Optus Stadium
Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli touched down in Perth on Sunday evening ahead of Test teammates, two weeks out from the blockbuster first match of the Australian summer at Optus Stadium.
Kohli, 36, arrived in Australia before being whisked away at Perth Airport ahead of the first of a five-match series in the highly-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy on November 22-26.
It comes as captain Rohit Sharma remains in doubt to play in the Perth Test due to personal reasons.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.As the majority of the squad departed for Australia on Monday afternoon, reports out of India revealed that Sharma, who was in charge for the historic 3-0 series loss to New Zealand, remained home for the imminent birth of his second child.
Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will captain India should Sharma continue to be unavailable, coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed, with KL Rahul - who is already in Australia with India A - a potential replacement as opener.
“We will let you know exactly what the situation will be. Hopefully, he’s going to be available, but everything we’re going to get to know at the start of the series,” Gambhir said.
“We will take a call closer to the first Test match if Rohit is not available.
“There are options there, it’s not that there are no options there. There are quite a few options in the squad.
“Once it gets closer to the first Test match, we’ll plan and play the best playing XI that’s going to do the job for us.
“(Jasprit) Bumrah is the vice-captain, so obviously he will (be the captain) if Rohit is not available.”
The West Australian understands India will begin training at the WACA Ground from Tuesday ahead of the first Test, but the venue is on lockdown in a bid to keep the Indian camp strictly behind closed doors.
A slated three-day match against India A at the WACA was scrapped over injury concerns.
India will face a new-look Australian side in the West Test, with Nathan McSweeney to open alongside Usman Khawaja at the top of the order, while Josh Inglis has been named in the squad as back-up gloveman.
