Indian top-order set for rejig with Rohit, Shubman set to miss first Test

Team India face top order headache with skipper Rohit and opener Gill missing Perth Test

- TRIDIB BAPARNASH

With three days remaining for the opening Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth, the Indian think tank led by head coach Gautam Gambhir has been challenged on several fronts. In the first-ever overseas Test series under him, Gambhir has to sort out India's top-order batting conundrum left by the absence of two members of their first-choice top three — in skipper Rohit Sharma, and the unfortunate thumb injury to Shubman Gill.

Rohit had communicated to the BCCI and national selectors in advance that he could miss the Perth Test, given that he was expecting his second child during the period. Rohit and his wife Ritika welcomed the newborn on Friday, a week ahead of the first Test, prompting the possibility of his travelling to Perth. However, he informed the BCCI of his availability for the two-day, pink-ball warm-up game against the Australian Prime Minister's XI from 30 November before the day-night Test in Adelaide.