Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma were initially not included in India’s Test squad to Australia. After recovering from their respective injuries, both of them can leave for Australia and be a part of the Indian squad. India head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed his apprehensions about senior players Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma’s participation in the upcoming Test series if they don’t reach Australia in the next few days. Both Rohit Shamra (left hamstring) and Ishant Sharma (side strain) are at the NCA undergoing rehabilitation, but the BCCI is yet to announce when the duo would reach Australia. Taking the mandatory 14-day quarantine requirement into perspective, Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma now have to leave for Australia in 3-4 days if they are too play Testa according to Ravi Shastri.

 

“He (Rohit) was never going to play the white-ball series, they were just looking to see how long he needed the rest, because you can’t afford to be resting for too long,” Shastri told ABC Sport. “If you need to play in the Test series or any red-ball cricket, you’ve got to be on the flight in the next three or four days. If you aren’t, then it’s going to be tough.” Shastri said that NCA’s medical team is currently assessing how long would be Rohit’s break from the game. “But things could get difficult if he’s asked to wait for too long, (because) then you’re talking of the quarantine again, which might make it really tough for even him to come just in time for the Test series,” the head coach added. “It’s (Ishant”s) a similar case to Rohit,” Shastri said. “You don’t really know how quickly he’ll be available to fly out. Like I said, if anyone has to play in the Test series, he has to be on the flight in the next four or five days. Otherwise, it’s very difficult.” He added.

 

In an interview to PTI, Rohit Sharma said that he is confident of playing the Test series although some strength and conditioning work still needs to be done as far as his hamstring is concerned. The second and final warm-up game, at the SCG from December 11-13, will be a day-nighter before the first Test commences in Adelaide from December 17. India are all set to play Four Tests against Australia and this series promises to be a gem of a series.

By Arvind Krishnan

Cricket writer, statistician and analyst. An unorthodox media student, marketing runs in his blood. Sports Marketer and analyst.