While Ishant Sharma was ruled out of the test series despite recovering from a side injury, Rohit is scheduled to be reevaluated at the NCA on December 11.
TOI understands that Rohit’s hamstring is “pretty good,” but he needs to have enough strength and aptitude to withstand the rigors of test cricket. Today, the process is more about “getting back in good shape.”
On Sunday, Rohit posted photos of the NCA on Instagram and he looked much better than during the IPL.
“Unless the physical therapist gives a good mark, a player cannot undergo a high intensity fitness test. But if you’re in rehab for a lower body injury, you can work on upper-body conditioning and lose weight. A lighter upper body will ensure that it doesn’t put too much stress on the ugly hamstring, ”a BCCI source told TOI.
“Rohit doesn’t want to take any chances this time. He is very aware of fitness standards. It has been plagued with injuries in the last year. Then the lockout occurred before he continued with his IPL duties. He has also been traveling for two years. That really didn’t give him much of a chance to work on his fitness. Now, he wants to make sure he’s in perfect shape and that his body is ready to withstand the rigors of cricket nonstop next year, ”added the source.
Rohit had chosen to play for the Mumbai Indians on the business side of the IPL even as the Indian cricket board (BCCI) medical team had said he was not fit enough to play for India in Australia a month later.
TOI also learned that the team management had opposed the inclusion of Ishant, as he broke down after a test in New Zealand after claiming that he had recovered from an ankle injury. The team management did not want to take that risk in Australia.
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