Indian star player Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma have been ruled out of the first two Test matches of the Australia tour.
Rohit and Ishant Ruled out of the First two Test Matches
India has been scheduled to play the 4 match Test series against Australia which commences from December 17. Ishant and Rohit are subjected to miss the initial stage of the Test match as Australia posted a mandatory 14-day quarantine period upon reaching Australia.
Due to which Rohit and Ishant Sharma have been ruled out of the first two Test matches against Australia. India would face a serious struggle in the second match where the team misses the service of Virat Kohli along with the other two. As Virat Kohli has granted paternity leave after the completion of the first Test match.
Rohit (hamstring injury) and Ishant (ribcage injury) are currently at the NCA for their rehab. Earlier Shastri expressed apprehension on the two players’ participation in the upcoming Test series unless they fly out in the next “three to four days”.
Shastri Interview on Rohit and Ishant possible inclusion in the squad
In his interview, the head coach spoke about Rohit and Ishant being assessed by the NCA medical team. “But things could get difficult if he’s (Rohit) asked to wait for too long, (because) then you’re talking of the quarantine again, which might make it really tough for even him to come just in time for the Test series,” Shastri said.
“He (Rohit) was never going to play the white-ball series, they were just looking to see how long he needed the rest because you can’t afford to be resting for too long. If you need to play in the Test series or any red-ball cricket, you’ve got to be on the flight in the next three or four days. If you aren’t, then it’s going to be tough”.
“It’s a similar case (Ishant’s injury) to Rohit. You don’t really know how quickly he’ll be available to fly out. Like I said, if anyone has to play in the Test series, he has to be on the flight in the next four or five days. Otherwise, it’s very difficult,” Shastri told ABC Sports.
Also read: Australia vs India 2020-21 Full Schedule Dates, Venues and Timings