Sourav Ganguly shares an update on Rohit Sharma’s participation in Australia tour

Sourav Ganguly, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president, updated on Rohit Sharma’s availability for the tour of Australia. Rohit was excluded for the Test, ODI and T20I series after he suffered a hamstring injury during the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Rohit has been warming the benches since Mumbai Indians’ (MI) double Super Over game against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Kieron Pollard has been leading the Mumbai-based franchise and has already taken the team to the Qualifier 1 in Dubai.

Ganguly, meanwhile, said that Rohit can be picked if he attains the desired levels of fitness. Moreover, Sourav, who’s also a former Indian cricketer, said that Ishant Sharma, who’s also injured, will get into the Test team. Ganguly mentioned that the duo can be sent later as flights to Australia are available.

“We are monitoring Ishant and Rohit. Ishant is not completely out. He will become a part of the Test series. With Rohit, we want him fit for Australia. At some stage if he is fit, I am sure the selectors will rethink his position,” Ganguly was quoted as saying in Hindustan Times.

India has the pace attack to match Australia, says Sourav Ganguly

Ganguly feels that India’s task won’t be easy as Australia’s batting has been bolstered with the inclusion of David Warner, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. But as per Sourav, India have the pace attack to rattle the star-studded Aussie batting lineup.

“Australia in Australia is always tough. They will be a lot stronger with Smith and Warner back. Players like Labuschagne have become better. It will be a good test for India, but they are capable of winning. It will be a good series. It’s a 50-50 chance for both teams. Runs on the board will be important. Whoever bats well will win the series,” he stated.

“India has the pace attack to match Australia. There is (Jasprit) Bumrah, (Mohammed) Shami, (Navdeep) Saini. The attack is as good as Australia’s,” Ganguly added.

The tour is set to mark India’s return to the international circuit amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. They last played at the highest level back in February during the tour of New Zealand.