The BCCI said that both Rohit & Ishant Sharma were never in the Indian squad for the Test series against Australia in a statement by the board on the two players. Both Rohit and Ishant have been ruled out of the Test series as per ESPNCricinfo and BCCI has named Shreyas Iyer as Rohit’s replacement for the Tests. He will be staying back for the Test series after the ODI and T20Is.
A BCCI official in a detailed discussion with Times of India, clarified their stance on the two players and their availability for the Test series.
Rohit, Ishant Was Never Part of the Squad: BCCI
“Rohit and Ishant were anyways not part of the squad. An 18-member team was announced for the four Tests. Now that Virat (Kohli) is returning, we’re hoping Shreyas Iyer will stay back for the series”, BCCI was quoted as saying by the Times of India.
The two players are currently nursing their injuries at the NCA and with the quarantine protocols in place their availability before the Test series becomes questionable.
“But the problem is that there’s a 14-day mandatory state quarantine in Australia. Even if he is allowed to travel on the 12th, how will he fly? There are no commercial flights. And even if he manages to fly, he has to undergo the two-week solitary quarantine. When will he be available, subject to fitness. We all knew he was never going to fly” the BCCI official further said to TOI.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma & Ishant Sharma Likely To Miss Australia Test Series – Reports
There were reports earlier that Rohit was supposed to fly with the rest of the Indian squad to Australia. However, as it turned out, Rohit Sharma was asked to return back to India and work on his fitness. With Rohit and Ishant already ruled out of the Test series and Virat Kohli returning back after the first Test, Australia will be on the driver’s seat undoubtedly for the final three Tests.
Those aware of the developments in the BCCI reportedly say: “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 Cricket Academy. Nobody in the BCCI knows who asked Rohit to head to the NCA. Was it his own decision?” says the BCCI, further adding that the onus is now on the NCA to take a call”.
Also Read: Ishant Sharma Likely to Miss India’s Tour of Australia After Muscle Tear