If not Rohit then who? The answer was found in the opening. That name is KL Rahul. Seeing the first training of Team India in Australia also shows that KL Rahul can open in the first Test to be played in Perth. If Rohit Sharma is not available for the first test, then he can become Yashasvi Jaiswal's partner in his place. Can open the innings for India.

What was special in the first pictures of practice?

Now the question is, what was so special in the pictures of Team India's practice that came from Australia, due to which it seemed that KL Rahul will open in place of Rohit Sharma? In the video that surfaced after reaching Australia, KL Rahul can be seen sweating in the nets and practicing batting. But, should we simply assume that he is the only option in the opening? No.

KL Rahul was one of the main batters to have a net in India's training session today at the WACA pic.twitter.com/3MXVU0p8FH

— Tristan Lavalette (@trislavalette) November 12, 2024

When you watch this video carefully, you will see Yashasvi also practicing next to Rahul. Even though there is a net wall between these two. But, if Rohit does not come to play the Perth Test, then it is certain that Rahul and Yashasvi will open in the Test match under the captaincy of Bumrah.

Rahul has experience of playing in Perth

The speculations about KL Rahul opening are also reflected in the statements given by head coach Gautam Gambhir before leaving for Australia. When Gambhir was asked about the opening options, he took Rahul's name quite loudly. But this is not the only thing making Rahul an opening contender. In fact, his experience of playing in Perth, Australia is also a plus point.

Rahul's record in the last test played in Perth

There are only 3 batsmen in the current Indian team that has toured Australia, who have the experience of playing red ball cricket in Perth conditions. And, one of those three batsmen is KL Rahul along with Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant. KL Rahul has played a Test in Perth, in which his runs and average are all missing. He has scored only 2 runs in two innings of the only test.