Rohit won't join Indian squad in Australia until Test series
What's the story
Rohit Sharma won't be part of the Indian contingent traveling from Dubai to Sydney for the impending Australian tour. Rohit, who recently led Mumbai Indians to their fifth IPL title, will now return home to recover from the hamstring injury he suffered during the IPL. On the eve of IPL final, the BCCI announced that he will now feature in the Test series.
Rohit
Rohit to undergo rehabilitation at the NCA
As per reports, Rohit will undergo his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru after returning back. Once he passes the fitness test, he will head to Australia ahead of the Test series, which begins in Adelaide on December 17. Notably, Rohit will miss the ODI and T20I series that will precede the Test series, as of now.
Information
The BCCI recently included him in Test squad
Rohit was initially left out of all three squads (ODI, T20I and Test) for the tour Down Under. He had injured his hamstring during the Super-Over thriller against Kings XI Punjab on October 18. However, considering his fitness, he was recalled into the Test side.
Kohli
Virat Kohli might not rejoin the Test squad
On the other hand, Indian captain Virat Kohli might not rejoin the Test squad once he returns to India on paternity leave, following the series opener. The BCCI had granted him permission, so that he could attend the birth of his child. Upon returning to Australia, he would have to undergo a 14-day quarantine. Hence, he could end up missing the next three Tests.
Schedule
Australia vs India: A look at the schedule
The tour will kick-off on November 27 with the ODI series, followed by matches on November 29 and December 2. Meanwhile, the three T20Is will be held on December 4, 6, and 8. The opening Test in Adelaide (Day/Night) will begin on December 17. Besides, MCG (December 26-30), SCG (January 7-11), and Adelaide Oval (January 15-19) will host the next three Tests.
Developments
Wriddhiman Saha to fly out with Indian contingent
The selection committee, on Monday, decided that a call on the injured Wriddhiman Saha will be taken later. Saha had injured his hamstrings while playing an IPL match for Sunrisers Hyderabad. He will now be part of the touring group, flying out on Wednesday. Notably, Saha is one of two wicket-keepers named by the selectors for the Test series, along with Rishabh Pant.
Ishant Sharma
Ishant will travel to Australia separately
It has also been learned that pace spearhead Ishant Sharma will travel to Australia separately, once he is declared completely fit by the NCA. He is presently undergoing rehabilitation after suffering an abdominal muscle tear during the IPL. Reportedly, the NCA head Rahul Dravid stated that Ishant can start bowling from November 18. Thereafter, he will need to prove his match fitness.