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No clarity on injuries of Rohit, Ishant: Virat Kohli

Had they been undergoing rehab with the squad in Australia, like Wriddhiman Saha, it would have increased their chances of playing in the Test series, says Team India skipper.

India captain Virat Kohli on the eve of the first Oneday International against Australia on Thursday said that there had been no clarity on the injuries of Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma and that had they been undergoing rehab with the squad in Australia, like Wriddhiman Saha, it would have increased their chances of playing in the Test series.“It would have definitely increased their chances of playing matches here. Someone like Saha is here, doing his rehab…we are aware of his progress and we are on the right path to make sure that he is fit and available in time to play the Test series,” he said in a virtual press conference in Sydney, where the first ODI will be played on Friday.“Same would have been the case with Ishant and Rohit as well…would have given a chance to get fit and be available for the start of the Test series and right now there is so much uncertainty on whether they are going to make it or not going to make it. It definitely would have been helpful in getting them fit and doing rehab here just like Saha is with team to get fit,” said Kohli.Kohli narrated the chain of events and claimed that he was not kept informed about the progress of Rohit Sharma. He said that there was lack of communication on the injury issue.India skipper Virat Kohli further added that his primary pace bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami will be played selectively during the white ball series to prepare for the long four-Test series beginning next month.India play three One-day Internationals, starting Friday, followed by three T20 Internationals before the Test series begins on December 17. India are already fretting over the fitness status of Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma.“It is a no-brainer. They have played the full IPL season and have been bowling [with] great rhythm. It is important to manage their workload and give them break and hence the chance for youngsters comes into play. You want to see how people react in different situations; you are up against different situations. You come to India [team], you manage workloads… you have to look forward to youngsters to perform, maintain the balance. So it is important for us to manage bowlers’ workload. We have to see where our bowlers stand and managing workload will be crucial factor,” Kohli said at a virtual press conference on the eve of the first ODI on Friday.Virat Kohli furtherexpressed relief and joy at the prospect of playing in front of crowds when the two teams lock horns in the first One-day International at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) here on Friday.Australia’s limited overs skipper Aaron Finch also said that his team, too, was excited to play in front of crowds again.“The last time we played in front of crowds in Australia was a very long time ago. There has been a huge amount of work going to allow that to happen — from the public in various states there has been tremendous amount of work done to keep Coronavirus under control. We are really excited. We know how much of a great atmosphere would it be,” he said.

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