India takes steps to tackle Rohit Sharma's potential absence on Australia tour

KL Rahul is now a front-runner to open alongside Abhimanyu Easwaran in India A’s second four-day match against Australia A after being added to the squad alongside Dhruv Jurel.

This setup appears to create a direct showdown between Easwaran and Rahul, as the duo will both be vying to step in for Rohit Sharma in the opening slot for the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, should the captain be absent.

After the Mumbai Test against New Zealand, Rohit had said that he was unsure of playing the first Test due to personal reasons, although he hasn't outrightly ruled himself out yet.

"Right now, I am not too sure whether I'll be going, but let's see. Fingers crossed," Rohit Sharma had said after the third Test match in Mumbai.

Jurel and Rahul travelled to Australia ahead of the main Test squad to gain match practice with India A. Rahul is expected to open the innings in the second four-day Test, with Jurel likely to compete with Ishan Kishan for the wicketkeeper’s spot.

Watch the best of KL Rahul at CWC23

Who partners Yashasvi Jaiswal in the Perth Test?

With Rohit's participation doubtful for the first Test, there could be an opening for either Rahul or Easwaran to partner with Yashavsi Jaiswal in Perth for the Test, which begins on November 22.

If Rohit is unavailable, it presents an intriguing challenge for the Indian management. Easwaran, named in the squad as a backup opener, enters the series in exceptional form, with four centuries in his last five first-class matches. The right-hander boasts an impressive first-class average of 49.40 and has long been in contention for an India debut.

Rahul, meanwhile, was dropped after India’s loss to New Zealand in the first Test in Bengaluru. Although Rahul has mostly batted in the middle order in recent years, he started his Test career as an opener and would be looking to get back into the Test side.

Could Jurel be the backup batter?

Meanwhile, Jurel will be aiming to prove his credentials as a backup batter. Already established as a reliable wicketkeeper, Jurel will be looking to showcase his batting skills and make a case for himself as a potential middle-order option.

He debuted earlier this year against England, stepping up in Rishabh Pant’s absence with a crucial Player of the Match performance in Ranchi, where he scored an unbeaten 90*.

With several spots still undecided in the Indian team for the first Test, the selectors will be closely watching Jurel, Easwaran, and Rahul in India A's clash against Australia A.