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Rohit Sharma had himself cast doubts over his availability for the first Test of India’s Australia tour recently.
Rohit Sharma-led India will face Australia in a five-match Test series next. (PTI Photo)
India Test captain Rohit Sharma will reportedly leave for the tour of Australia alongside the rest of the squad but it’s not certain whether he will be available for the series opener in Perth slated to get underway from November 22. Rohit has himself said he’s not sure whether he’ll play in Perth.
According to a report in India Today, Rohit will fly to Australia but participation in the first Test is “subject to his personal matter”.
“He is travelling but his participation in the 1st Test is yet not confirmed. Will see what happens next anything in regards to this. His availability is subject to his personal matter,” a source was quoted as saying by the publication.
After the Mumbai Test against New Zealand earlier this month, Rohit was asked about him playing in Perth. “Right now, I am not too sure whether I’ll be going, but let’s see. Fingers crossed,” he had said.
India will enter the Australia Test tour having suffered a historic 0-3 whitewash at the hands of New Zealand when playing at home. The debacle led to questions over Indian batters’ ability to deal with spinners, aggressive approach with the bat and nature of pitches.
The BCCI reportedly held a review meeting with captain Rohit, head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar which lasted six hours.
“It was a six hour marathon meeting which was obviously on cards after such a debacle. India are going on a tour of Australia and the BCCI would obviously like to ensure that the team is back on track and would like to know how the think-tank (Gambhir-Rohit-Agarkar) are going about it,” a senior BCCI source privy to development was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
The BCCI wasn’t reportedly happy with the team’s decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the Mumbai Test and preparing a rank turner despite the host suffering a defeat on a similar surface in Pune.
“Bumrah’s absence was discussed although it was a precautionary move. Opting for a rank turner despite India not faring well on these tracks are some of the issues that came up for discussion,” the source said.
