Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami to be rotated: Virat Kohli | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami to be rotated: Virat Kohli

New Delhi | By
Nov 27, 2020 09:15 AM IST

India skipper Virat Kohli is happy to play in front of crowds at SCG, questions injury management by BCCI

The Sydney Cricket Ground was the last venue to host an international cricket match in March before Covid-19 stopped play. On Friday, it will mark the return of the Indian cricket team after more than nine months with the first ODI against Australia.

Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami(Twitter)
Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami(Twitter)

ALSO READ | India vs Australia: ‘Looking forward to it’, Virat Kohli opens up on giving chances to youngsters

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Crowds too will be back, albeit only half of SCG’s capacity. “Everyone is excited to start playing in front of crowds. We came back to action after a very difficult time and things are getting better as we speak. The situation in Australia is at a place where we are able to play in front of crowds, which is a big boost for all players,” India skipper Virat Kohli said in a media interaction on Thursday.

Also Read | IND vs AUS, 1st ODI, Live Updates

Australia have been bolstered by the return of David Warner and Steve Smith, who were not part of the team on India’s last tour in 2018-19, when the visitors won the Tests and ODI series. For India though, Rohit Sharma, a key factor in India’s strong limited-overs performances in the last decade, will be absent. Recovering from a hamstring injury at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, he is also likely to miss most of the Test series.

Kohli criticised a lack of clarity over Rohit’s injury with pacer Ishant Sharma too is under rehabilitation in India after a stomach muscle injury suffered during IPL.

“Before we had the selection meeting in Dubai, we got a mail two days before which said he is unavailable for selection (and that) he’s picked up an injury during IPL. It mentioned he has a two-week rest and rehab period. It said the pros and cons of the injury had been explained to him and he understood that. After that he played in the IPL and we thought he would be on that flight to Australia, which he wasn’t. We had no idea whatsoever why he was not travelling with us. The only other official information we have received is he is at the NCA and will be further assessed on December 11. There has been lack of clarity and lot of uncertainty. We have been playing the waiting game which is not ideal at all,” Kohli said.

ALSO READ | ‘Further questions need to be asked’: Virat Kohli unhappy with change in WTC points system

“Had Rohit and Ishant (back to bowling at NCA after suffering a stomach muscle injury) been doing their rehab here, it would have definitely increased their chances to play in the Test series. Somebody like Wriddhiman Saha who was injured during the IPL is here and is on his way to become fully fit.”

Even if Rohit is declared fit on December 11 and travels to Australia the next day, the opener will have to go through a two-week hard quarantine till December 26, which would not allow him to train. The second Test at MCG starts that day.

Rohit’s absence will give an opportunity for the youngsters. While KL Rahul, who has batted at No.5 in recent ODIs, could partner Shikhar Dhawan as opener, Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill too are available. Shreyas Iyer and Hardik Pandya are almost automatic choices as Indian batsmen prepare to negate the pace attack of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. “We are looking to give opportunity to the younger players. They are eager to play in Australia, to realise something new about their game. It’s a very important series for them,” Kohli said.

Kohli said Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are likely to be rotated in the limited-overs series to keep them fresh for the Tests. That will give Navdeep Saini and Shardul Thakur a chance to play. “It’s a no-brainer. They had a full IPL. Both are bowling in great rhythm so their workload needs to be managed. So, the younger guys getting chance comes into play. You want to see how they react to different situations,” he said.

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and get exclusive insights with the RR vs DC Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Abhishek Paul works with the Hindustan Times’ sports desk. He has been covering the beat since 2010 across print and digital mediums.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On