Rishabh Pant to be axed from India XI as Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir plan strict action; Akash Deep out of Sydney Test

Notably, the win in Perth came under the captaincy of ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah. The defeat in the previous match in Melbourne, combined with India's stunning 3-0 capitulation at home to New Zealand before this, meant that Rohit has now gone six Test matches without a win.

Gambhir appeared in the pre-match press conference as opposed to Rohit, despite captains normally appearing for the interaction on the eve of matches. When asked why Rohit is absent, Gambhir said that “everything is fine” with the 37-year-old and that the presence of the head coach in the press conference should be enough.

“Everything is fine with Rohit and I don't think it's anything traditional. The head coach is here and that should be good enough. We are going to have a look at the wicket and finalise it tomorrow,” said the former opener.