The Indian cricket team’s squad for the six white-ball Internationals (3 ODIs + 3 T20Is) and four Test matches for the upcoming tour of Australia were announced on Monday. And, while most of the selections were on expected lines, one of the biggest talking points to emerge is the absence of swashbuckling opener Rohit Sharma from all the three squads.
Rohit has missed the last two games of his IPL franchise, Mumbai Indians, due to a hamstring niggle and while that looked like the only reason behind his exclusion, what has added to the confusion is the fact that a few hours after the squad announcement, Mumbai Indians uploaded a video on their social media channels where Rohit Sharma can be seen batting in the nets.
The BCCI, in their press-release, has mentioned that their medical team will be closely monitoring Sharma’s fitness closely.
Commenting on the development, former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta has said that injury should be the only reason behind Rohit’s exclusion and the veteran opener should slot his way back once he is fit.
“Rohit still hasn’t played any game in a while now, but I guess if he is fit to play for the Mumbai Indians then he will be part of the national team. But what I know is that he is 50:50, although he has just started to bat in the nets,” Deep Dasgupta told Sports Today.
“I guess it is just a matter of time. As soon as he is fit to play a game or a few games, then he will be ready. It is a hamstring issue and you don’t want to include someone who is not 100 percent fit,”
Deep Dasgupta on KL Rahul getting announced as vice-captain in absence of Rohit Sharma
What has added to more confusion is the fact that Mayank Agarwal, despite being injured, has been included in all the three squads and KL Rahul has been named as vice-captain, something Deep Das Gupta reckoned that BCCI should have avoided for now.
“If Rohit is fit he has to be there. There is no doubt about it. Maybe Mayank Agarwal’s injury is not as serious and therefore his name is included. But a fit Rohit Sharma has to be included in the team.” Deep Dasguptta reckoned.
“Maybe announcing the vice-captain could have been on hold. They could have waited for Rohit’s injury details for another week, and then gone ahead with it [declaring the vice-captain],” he said.
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