Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma return delayed; series participation cancelled

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s return to the field has been delayed, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will reportedly not force the duo to turn up for India A in the upcoming three-match unofficial ODI series against Australia A in Kanpur.

The Indian selectors are currently gearing up to pick the India A squad for the upcoming 50-over matches against Australia A. The white-ball matches between India A and Australia A are scheduled on September 30, October 3, and October 5 at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur.

Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play in the India A series?

Well, there is a big question of whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be part of the India A squad for the 50-over matches before making their much-awaited return in Indian colors on the upcoming Australia tour, where the Men in Blue will play three ODIs and five T20Is later this year.

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Both Kohli and Rohit are fit and available for the India selection, but it is unlikely that they will be made to play in all three 50-over games against Australia A. They will be picked only if they want to play practice games before the main tour of Australia in October.

Recently, a senior BCCI official confirmed that the Indian selectors haven’t made any decision yet, and they won’t force both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to participate in the upcoming three-match unofficial ODI series against Australia A.

Nothing has been finalized yet on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's participation: BCCI source

The official revealed that if they want to get some time under their belt before the crucial Australia series, they might play in one or two games, but it is not confirmed.

A senior BCCI official was quoted as saying by the Times of India: “See, it's highly unlikely that they will play the three India A games. No call has been taken on that, and it will not be forced upon them either. Only if they need some game time, you could see them play one or even two, games before the Australia ODIs. But nothing has been finalized yet.”

The official further added, “They are very much fit and available for the Australia ODIs. Before the selectors decide the India A squad and then the India squads for the Australia tour, the Irani Cup squad will be announced, and some selectors are set to watch the Duleep Trophy final in Bengaluru while Ajit Agarkar is with the team in Dubai.”

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BCCI reacts to fitness Drama as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma clear tests

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have cleared their fitness tests ahead of the Australia tour. However, Kohli completed his test in London. On the other hand, Rohit underwent his tests at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru last week.

Interestingly, the BCCI official said that these are only the routine tests and are done twice a year, but they won’t influence team selection in any way, downplaying debate over Kohli’s fitness tests in London.

He signed off by saying, “Those were the routine fitness tests. All the contracted players go through the fitness test twice a year. Nothing unusual there or something that affects or will have a say in selection.”