India Tour of Australia: Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma uncertain for Test series: Report


India Tour of Australia: Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma uncertain for Test series: Report

Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma

Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma
Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma

After Virat Kohli’s absence from the upcoming Test series against Australia, another setback hit the Indian team. Senior players Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma who are currently undergoing the rehab process at the National Cricket Academy, Bengaluru might miss the entire series Down Under. 

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Both the players picked injuries during the recently-concluded season of Indian Premier League (IPL) in the UAE. Rohit tore his hamstring while playing for Mumbai Indians. On the other hand, Ishant Sharma injured his rib cage during his stint at Delhi Capitals. 

In a race against time to be fit, the two players also need to quarantine for the mandatory 14-days period. A report in Mumbai Mirror claims that neither Rohit nor Ishant will make it in time for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21.

Also Read | India vs Australia: “Rohit was never going to play the white-ball series,” says Ravi Shastri

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As per the report, their fitness status is not so encouraging, discussed recently during a meeting between the NCA experts. The team management, selectors, and BCCI have all been informally informed that the duo might not feature at all against Australia. However, a formal announcement might be on the way ahead of the all-important Test series.

Board the flight in the next three-four days: head coach Ravi Shastri

Team India Head Coach Ravi Shastri

Team India head coach Ravi Shastri said that both Rohit and Ishant must fly to Australia in the next three or four days to play the Test series. He said otherwise it would be really difficult for the two to get any chance in the red-ball cricket.

“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 told ABC Sport on Sunday.

“It’s (Ishant’s) a similar case to Rohit,” Shastri said in the interview. He added: “You don’t really know how quickly he’ll be available to fly out. As said, if anyone has to play the Tests, he has to board the flight in a few days. Otherwise, it’s very difficult.”

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Also Read | India vs Australia: ‘India in real danger of a series whitewash without Virat Kohli,’ reckons Michael Clarke