IND vs SA: ODI Team Likely To Be Selected By End Of This Week As Selectors Keep Tab On Rohit Sharma's Fitness

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to push the selection of India’s ODI team for the ongoing South Africa tour by the end of the year.

Star batter Rohit Sharma, who is named as India’s new ODI captain, is struggling with his fitness after he sustained a hamstring injury in Mumbai during a training session.

ODI team selection meeting will happen after the first Test between South Africa and India

Rohit was ruled out of the ongoing Test series against the Proteas due to his injury. Spin bowling all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel will be unavailable for selection.

According to a report by The Indian Express, Jadeja is having a ligament tear due to which he is expected to be sidelined while Axar has a stress fracture.

According to BCCI officials, the selection for the ODI team will either take place on December 30 or 31st.

“The team selection meeting will happen after the first Test. It could be on December 30 or 31st but the BCCI is yet to take a final call. Rohit is pulling all stops to get fit but hamstring injuries are a bit different from other injuries,” a senior BCCI official told news agency PTI.

“It has been learnt that Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel are unavailable for selection. About Rohit, a call will be taken closer to the selection date,” he added.

Rohit Sharma can be selected subject to fitness

The three-match Test series between South Africa and India will conclude on January 15 and within a gap of four days the first ODI match will kickoff in Paarl.

Rohit has a period of at least three weeks to recover and based on his fitness his selection will be determined by the selection panel.

“It could well happen that Rohit is not fit by the time of selection cut-off but then with the first ODI still three weeks away, he could get enough time to be with the team and regain full fitness closer to the date,” the official mentioned.

“In that case, he can be selected subject to fitness. These are things that chairman of selectors Chetan Sharma needs to check,” he added.

India started their South Africa tour on a great note after dominating the hosts on Day 1 with a commanding score of 272/3. The second day’s gameplay was completely washed away by rain showers.

Also Read: IND vs SA: KL Rahul To Captain India In ODI Series If Rohit Sharma Fails To Recover In Time – Reports