The National Selection Committee is all set to announce squads for IND vs WI series & the Indian Captain Rohit Sharma is available for selection. Initially, there were reports that Rohit could be rested from the Test series with someone else leading the Test squad. But clearing the air a BCCI Official said that Rohit Sharma will play the entire series with ODI World Cup 2023 in the bigger picture. Notably, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Jasprit Bumrah are unavailable for the IND vs WI Series as they are recovering from injuries. Thus Rohit & Pujara will retain their spots in the Test squad. The BCCI selection committee will meet today & announce the squad for the upcoming IND vs WI Series.
“Rohit is fit and available for selection. He will have a good break. So, there is no workload management concern either. He will lead in the West Indies series,” a senior BCCI official told InsideSport.
Despite Pujara’s presence, there is a probability of Sarfaraz Khan being named into the two-match test series. His inclusion will come on the back of his spectacular performances in the Ranji Trophy 2023. He has been trying hard to get consideration by the Indian selectors with his consistent performances but failed to earn hsi maiden Test cap.
Coming to Rohit Sharma, there have been speculations that Rohit Sharma will take some time off from the Test format. These speculations came after his poor run in the Test format. But with World Cup in the picture, Rohit will use the West Indies series as an opportunity to bounce back & improve his form.
Rohit Sharma’s form is a concern heading into the IND vs WI Series
Despite failing to perform in IPL & WTC, the team management is still supporting Rohit Sharma. In ODIs, he has averaged 49.27 in the last 12 months. He also holds a century and four fifties in 13 innings. He has managed a strike rate of 111.52. In Tests, he averages 37.5 in just 5 matches he has played. Thus criticizing his form will be too early says an Official.
“Yes, he hasn’t got many runs in IPL and the WTC Final. But he has done decently in the last few months. He got a century in Nagpur against Australia. He is taking care of his fitness. It’s harsh on him to be criticized based on form,” the official added.
India vs West Indies 2023 Series to kickstart from July 12
India vs West Indies series is all set to kickstart from July 12 with the two-match Test series. The Indian team will leave for West Indies in the first week of July. Meanwhile, Virat & Rohit who are vacationing in London will directly fly from there.
Also read, ICC To Unveil ODI World Cup 2023 Schedule On June 27
