Who Asked Rohit Sharma To Head To The NCA, Asks BCCI As Opener Faces Heat For Not Traveling To Australia From UAE

Rohit Sharma is the one who is responsible for the mess surrounding his participation in the upcoming Test series against Australia, according to BCCI. There are now big question marks over his participation in the Test series Down Under. Rohit Sharma was initially not named in any of the three squads for the tour due to a hamstring injury.

However, he was later included in the Test squad while being rested for the limited-overs series as a precautionary measure. Earlier this month, he returned to India after IPL 2020 ended while the rest of the team left for Australia. Last week, Rohit Sharma went to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for his rehab programme but reports are suggesting he is unlikely to be available for the Tests in Australia.

According to a report in the TOI, the BCCI sources have made it clear that board is not at all happy with Rohit Sharma deciding to return to India instead of flying to Australia if was confident of being fit. The source also said that the BCCI is unaware of who asked Rohit to join the NCA or whether it was his decision only.

“Rohit was expected to board the flight with the rest of the team on November 12. But he chose not to and instead headed to the National Academy (NCA),” a BCCI source told the news outlet.

“Nobody in the BCCI knows who asked Rohit to head to the NCA. Was it his own decision?” added the source.

There are those who believe had Rohit flown with the rest of the team to Australia and rehabilitated there, he would have been fit to participate in the second Test because he would have undergone the mandatory quarantine.

“Whatever the confusion, it has dented the team’s preparations. Virat has to return because it’s personal and very important. Rohit had done the same on the previous Test (tour) of Australia. It’s unfortunate that the team will suffer for lack of communication,” said those in the know.

The report further stated that a senior BCCI official called Rohit and informed the cricketer that he would be travelling to Australia soon after Virat Kohli’s return but the batsman knew he had to take a break.

“It was never BCCI’s decision. We have no idea who is doing this,” said those in the know.

India are scheduled to play three ODIs, three T20Is and four Tests in Australia. The ODI series from November 27 will kickstart the tour. The Test series, on the other hand, will start on December 17 in Adelaide.

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