Rohit Sharma, India’s white-ball captain, is “fit” and ready to lead the team. Against the West Indies in a six-match white-ball series that begins on February 6 in Ahmedabad with three one-day internationals.
However, the team selection meeting this week will be interesting.
Because some senior players to be scrutinized after their indifferent performance against South Africa in their 0-3 ODI series defeat. After missing the South Africa tour due to a left hamstring injury. Rohit is ready to lead the side.
The T20 matches against the Caribbean team will take place in Kolkata from February 16 to 20. BCCI source informed PTI, “Rohit is fit and available for the series against the West Indies.”
“By the time the West Indies series begins, Rohit will have completed more than seven and a half weeks of rehabilitation and recovery.”
“He is already training in Mumbai and will be in Bangalore for the fitness test . And will receive formal approval from the National Cricket Academy,” a source said.
Rohit Sharma set to be the Test captain
For the time being, Rohit will almost certainly be named Test captain. Though the BCCI will consider other options given his workload and the responsibility that comes with leading India in two World Cups in a row in 2022 and 2023.
KL Rahul’s first stint as captain is said to have failed to meet expectations. And he will have to remain an apprentice under Rohit until he is ready to lead the national team in the near future.
Under Rahul, India lost all four international games in South Africa .
And for men who matter in Indian cricket, he hasn’t exactly come across as a proactive captain.
It is understood that Rahul’s performance as Lucknow Super Giants captain will be keenly monitored during this edition of the IPL.
The comeback of Hardik Pandya
Despite the fact that it’s unknown whether Hardik Pandya can bowl at full speed in the nets.
Venkatesh Iyer’s relative inexperience at No.6
And Rahul Dravid’s admission that the colourful Baroda man was missed could pave the way for his return.
“You have to remember that Hardik was dropped and not rested after the T20 World Cup due to his fitness”. After his underwhelming performance at World T20, the selectors wanted to send him a message. But he is far too good a player to be kept out for long.
“If not against the West Indies, he’ll undoubtedly face Sri Lanka,” the source added.
Ravindra Jadeja also seems to be close to attaining full fitness and will play either against West Indies or in the next assignment against Sri Lanka.
Bumrah could be resting
The workload management of Jasprit Bumrah is critical for this Indian side . And he could be rested for the remaining six matches.
This comes after Bumrah bowled the most overs in all six games he played in South Africa. Which comprised three Tests and three 50-over games.
However, Bhuvneshwar, whose form has dwindled, may be discarded. While Ashwin, who made his ODI comeback against South Africa white-ball leg, may be given another series.
Avesh Khan and Harshal Patel, for example, could return to the T20 squad.
