"I got no concerns whatsoever for Rohit and Virat" - Gautam Gambhir throws weight behind seniors ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has full faith that the senior pair of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will turn things around in Australia after a dismal home season. There has been considerable pressure on the duo to be back among the runs to help the Men in Blue get back on track.

Following a 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand, India need a dominant series win Down Under to make it to their third successive World Test Championship (WTC) final. The squad will be leaving for Australia in batches, without skipper Rohit Sharma for the time being. The first set of players departed India on Sunday night (November 10) while the rest are scheduled to leave on Monday, November 11.

Team India have opted against playing warm-up matches, and will conduct match simulation and net session in Perth to get a grip over the conditions ahead of the series opener.

Gautam Gambhir addressed the media before leaving, where he touched upon several aspects, beginning with the crucial status behind Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's recent form. He emphasized Ricky Ponting's recent comments on Virat Kohli as well.

"What does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket? He should think about Australian cricket. I got no concerns whatsoever for Rohit and Virat. I think they are incredibly tough men and they have achieved a lot for Indian cricket and will continue to do so. My role is to ensure that their hunger is still there and they continue to work really hard," Gambhir said in the press conference via Sportstar.

“We have no confirmation as of now. We will let you know when we get more details, Hopefully he will be available," the coach said of Rohit Sharma's availability for the series opener.

Virat Kohli scored a promising fifty in the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. But insignificant scores and routine dismissals marred the remainder of the home season.

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"You guys were criticizing when we picked him" - Gautam Gambhir on Washington Sundar's recent form

One of the few positive takeaways for India from the drubbing against New Zealand was all-rounder Washington Sundar. The Tamil Nadu player was a surprise inclusion midway through the series and ended up becoming the series' leading wicket-taker.

He earned a spot in the Border-Gavaskar series, which comes as a massive turnaround as his random inclusion earlier was panned by fans and pundits.

"You guys were criticising when we picked him. It’s good for Indian cricket that the next generation of players are stepping up," Gambhir said in the same press conference via Sportstar.

“The only conversation I have had with the players is to ask them to keep the team ahead of any personal milestones. And that is how team sport is meant to be played. The smallest of things will make a huge difference. When you start thinking about the team, other things will take the backseat. That is something we will continue to speak to the players about. We want to be seen as absolutely selfless and more importantly absolutely positive," Gambhir continued.

India A's recent matches on Australian soil have showcased a lot about how the surfaces could play out. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side, particularly the top-order batters were troubled by the extra pace and bounce.

Gambhir remarked that the team is prepared to play on any surface on offer.

"We don’t control the wickets they give. We have all the basis covered. Whatever they give, bouncy tracks, turning tracks and green wickets. We still have to go out there and play to our potential. If we do so we can defeat anyone on any wicket," Gambhir added.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is scheduled to begin on November 22, with the first Test to be hosted by the Optus Stadium in Perth.