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“There probably wouldn’t be anyone else still playing international cricket as a top-order batsman who’s only scored two Test match hundreds in five years.”

Kohli’s two most recent Test tons came against Australia – in India – and the West Indies. He did make a century late in November 2019, against Bangladesh.

Kohli, who averaged more than 50 in Tests from 2016 to 2019, has suffered an alarming form dip, scoring just 1838 runs in his past 34 Tests at an average of 31.68. In 60 innings, he has passed 50 only 11 times for two centuries, while his form on the road, averaging 33.57 from his past 16 Tests, is an issue.

This year he is averaging just 22.72 in six Tests, and has fallen out of the top 20 list of the ICC men’s Test batting rankings for the first time in a decade.

Rohit, averaging 42.27 in 64 Tests, has only 133 runs in his past 10 innings, reaching double figures four times, and may miss an early Test for the birth of his second child. In seven Tests in Australia, he has a modest 408 runs at 31.38 without a century.

“They are incredibly tough men and have achieved a lot for Indian cricket and will continue to do so,” Gambhir said.

“My role is to ensure that their hunger is still there, and they continue to work really hard.”

The tourists will have 10 days to prepare for the series opener, and have opted not to have a legitimate practice match, preferring centre-wicket practice at the WACA.

“I think 10 days, if we can get good, proper preparation before the start of the series, I think we’re going to be in really good shape. We’ve got a lot of experienced players who’ve been to Australia many times. So their experience will come in handy for the young players as well,” Gambhir said.

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“I’m sure these 10 days are going to be very crucial. Come the 22nd, I think we should be absolutely ready, and ready to fire from ball one.”

If Rohit does miss a Test, Gambhir said the tourists had several replacement options.

“There are quite a lot of options. KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran are opening options for us if Rohit Sharma isn’t available,” he said.

Gamhbir said vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side if Rohit is absent.