Rohit hinted that the 64-Test veteran could still play a part in the remainder of the five-Test series in Australia.
'What solution can Gambhir or Nayar possibly give, apart from telling him to not play those deliveries?'
Hazlewood missed the 10-wicket win over India in Adelaide on Sunday with the latest in a series of side strains that have blighted his career.
'It (the decision to pick Nitish ahead of Shardul) is also about moving forward and I feel that this is the best set of players that we have selected to do the job for the country.'
Virat Kohli's side are determined to keep the momentum rolling into the second clash in Perth and inch closer to a breakthrough series triumph Down Under.
After Australia were reduced to 75 for 3, Steve Smith steadied the innings, providing much-needed runs, while Head powered his way to a second consecutive Test century, continuing his prolific form against India.
Travis Head conceded that he was immensely fortunate to survive a fine spell from Jasprit Bumrah on the Day 2 of the third Test in Brisbane on Sunday.
K L Rahul's embarrassing dismissal was the talking point as India A's top batters flopped once again in the second innings of the second unofficial Test against Australia A.
'Bumrah's 2024 exploits were a masterclass in skill, precision, and relentless consistency,' ICC said in a statement.
Images from Day 1 of the 'Pink-ball' second Test between Australia and India in Adelaide on Friday.
Hazlewood's inclusion is the only change to the home side who will look to take a 2-1 lead in the five-Test series.
'He has not played in Australia, or at least he has not played in Perth in a Test match on a wicket that bounces.'
Seasoned Australian batter Steve Smith has spoken glowingly of Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, calling the Indian arguably the best fast bowler across formats.
India managed to keep the five-Test series level at 1-1 heading into the Boxing day Test in Melbourne, the fragility of their top order remains a major concern for the tourists.
Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar says his career took flight following the Test innings of 114 on a bouncy WACA track in 1992 against a hostile Australian attack in Perth.
Shubman Gill has made far too many changes in his batting approach, which is hindering his run-scoring ability on away tours, feels former Australian captain Ricky Pointing
'It will be unfair to say that he is out of form on the basis of two innings. He has already scored a hundred in this series. How many players have got a hundred in the series?'
'#TeamIndia could benefit if they have the services of #Tendulkar as the batting consultant in their prep for the #BGT2025.'
'Going into Brisbane, India need a tight strategy for Travis Head and they need to get Akash Deep in and maybe Ravindra Jadeja for Ashwin.'
Rohit, who had missed the first Test, dropped down to the number six spot in the pink ball Test after KL Rahul excelled at the top in the series opener in his absence.
Images from the third Ashes Test between England and Australia at Perth.
Images from Day 3 of the fourth Test between Australia and India at the MCG on Saturday.
Mohammed Shami is set to compete in the last two Tests of the ongoing series against Australia with his playing kit already headed Down Under
'If he can get into that mindset -- which he has; he has got a lot of skill, a lot of flair and works hard on his game.'
Virat Kohli's conduct came under the microscope in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne on Thursday after a clash of shoulders with teen debutant Sam Konstas, but the incident did little to knock the Australian wonder boy off his stride.
According to ESPNCricinfo, Shubman Gill has also confirmed his availability for Punjab's upcoming Ranji Trophy sixth-round fixture against Karnataka, set to begin on January 23.
Although he termed it as Indian team's internal matter, Cummins was a touch surprised with Rohit Sharma's decision to drop himself from the playing eleven on account of poor form.
Ricky Ponting though added that captaincy will be the "hardest thing" for the premier fast bowler.
It is understood that the Test squad will be leaving from Mumbai few days after the series and just like it happened during the last tour of South Africa, the BCCI could have a four-day game between India and India A, which people in the know of things feel will provide Rohit Sharma's men with quality match simulation.
'It's not jabs anymore. Sunny is throwing haymakers over the top.'
Australia spinner Nathan Lyon has nothing but respect for India's batting great Virat Kohli.
Jasprit Bumrah doesn't seem to be a long-term captaincy option given his nagging fitness concerns.
Sourav Ganguly names Rishabh Pant as the next-best red-ball batter after stalwart Virat Kohli and predicts him to have a "huge impact" in the Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth on Friday.
Who do you think should be part of India's playing XI for the second ODI against England on Sunday?
'...there'll be nerves and a bit of pressure, but that's all part of it, and I'm just excited to see what it all brings.'
Matthew Hayden's chances of playing in the third Test in Perth are slim with the opener saying he was not sure whether he can recover in time for the match beginning January 16.
Tim Paine captained Australia during India's last two tours Down Under in which the visitors recorded identical 2-1 series victories.
Here's Prem Panicker's unique take on all the action from the fourth day of the 2024-2025 Border Gavaskar series.
Australia's board had hoped the 60,000-seat venue in Burswood would be ready to host the third Ashes Test between the sides from December 14-18 but construction delays ruled that out, with Perth's traditional WACA ground staging it instead.
After Australia ended the third day on 12 for 3, Josh Hazlewood, their leading pacer, conceded that his team stares at a big defeat and it would need a miracle to save the match.
