India’s first and second captain, Rohit Sharma, has been named vice-captain for the remaining two test matches against Australia. Rohit, who joined his teammates after completing his 14-day quarantine period on Wednesday, will take over from Cheteshwar Pujara. Ajinkya Rahane continues to lead the trial side in the absence of the usual employer Virat Kohli, who is on paternity leave. After a horrendous spectacle in the first test that saw visitors being packed for 36 in the second inning, India made an epic change in the absence of Kohli and Mohammad Shami to take the Boxing Day test on Tuesday.
Rohit flew in from Sydney on Wednesday and joined the rest of the team in Melbourne.
Rahane, who played a winning shot in the second test, had also made his excitement known after the victory at MCG.
“We are excited about Rohit’s return. I spoke to him yesterday, he is looking forward to joining the team,” Rahane had said.
The inclusion of Rohit has increased India’s chances in the ongoing test series. The vice-captain was training hard on Thursday with his sights set on Test 3 against Australia.
Rohit, who injured his hamstring during the Indian Premier League in the United Arab Emirates, is preparing for the third round scheduled to be played at the historic Sydney Cricket Ground starting January 7.
Meanwhile, India fast pitcher T Natarajan has been added to the test team for the remaining two test matches against Australia.
The left arm pacemaker has replaced Umesh Yadav, who suffered a strained left calf muscle on day 3 of the second test in Melbourne.
“The All India Senior Selection Committee has appointed T Natarajan as Yadav’s replacement,” BCCI said in an official statement on Friday.
“Before the Boxing Day Test, Shardul Thakur was added to the Test team as Mohd. Shami’s replacement after the senior fast pitcher sustained a minor fracture to his right forearm.
Promoted
“Both Shami and Umesh Yadav will go to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for further rehabilitation from their injuries,” the statement read.
Team India Test Kit: Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha (goalkeeper), Rishabh Pant (carrier), Jasprit Bumrah, Navdeep Saini , Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Md. Siraj, Shardul Thakur, T Natarajan
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