India’s Test tour of Australia hasn’t begun on a happy note for the “Men in Blue”. First Virat Kohli made himself unavailable for the last three Tests seeking paternity leave. Now, Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma, two experienced figures have been ruled from the first two Tests against Australia. Rohit Sharma is currently recovering at National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. He suffered a hamstring injury during the IPL 2020 in UAE.
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What is the next step of action for both Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma?
For both these players to play the rest of the series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has to take quick action. If pace spearhead Ishant Sharma has to play the third test against Australia in Sydney, he has to board the plane to Australia immediately. As Australia is following a strict 14-day quarantine. Ishant Sharma needs four more weeks to be match fit and his fitness can be gauged only after he goes through the hard yards in a warm-up game.
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While on the other hand, Rohit’s case is even more curious. Sources have reported that NCA has to clear Rohit Sharma by December 8. Post which he can serve the 14-day quarantine. To add to their woes, both Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma can’t train while being under quarantine, unlike their Indian peers. Since all other players moved from one bubble to another and traveled directly from UAE.
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What does this mean to the Indian Team?
As of now how things stand situations look pretty bleak for both Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma. There are high chances that the duo may be ruled out from the entire series. If that happens, the team management will be looking at someone like Shreyas Iyer to stay back post the limited-overs series against Australia.
Who are the players who could make a case for themselves?
With the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma not being available, it presents the younger bunch of players a point to prove. Be it, Shubman Gill or Mayank Agarwal, these players would like to stamp their authority on the tour. Players like Hanuma Vihari may get a longer run and this domestic stalwart can perform well under pressure.
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Prithvi Shaw may also get an extended streak at the top and he would love to express himself against quality opposition. A lot will surely depend on the trio of Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and KL Rahul. If these three players register big scores, India will find itself in a good position.
At the same time, Ishant Sharma’s absence means the onus will fall on the shoulders of Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. The likes of Navdeep Saini, Umesh Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj would be itching to play the role of the 3rd seamer. While Ishan Porel and Kartik Tyagi are the designated reserve bowlers. They would love to impress the management and present their case. It sure seems exciting times for Indian cricket in the absence of its major stars.
