We didn’t want to take any chances with Rohit Sharma’s fitness: Chetan Sharma

The five-member national selection board does not want to “take risks” with Rohit Sharma’s physical condition. The 34-year-old, who was named captain of the white ball earlier this month, was not considered for the ODI series against South Africa because he is not yet “fit” and has a full international calendar, according to a selection panel chaired by Chetan Sharma. Rohit wants to make sure he is fully prepared before returning to action.

“He is currently in rehab and is in good physical condition. We never wanted to take any chances with Rohit. while he was appointed as a substitute.

“We thought Rohit needed to be rehabilitated and work on his fitness. There are so many cricketers and he doesn’t want to injure any players. So when the T20 World Cup was near, we thought we needed to make sure Rohit was fully fit. Have a good chat with Rohit.” said Sharma.

READ: Chetan Sharma: Everyone told Virat to reconsider his decision to step down as T20 captain

Rohit had to miss the Test series against South Africa due to an injury from the scandal. While Priyank was replaced by Panchal, Rohit left no stone unturned to fit in before the ODI series. The captain also underwent a rehabilitation program at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, but the selectors decided to wait and watch.

The chairman of the selectors also made it clear that at the moment the selection committee is only focusing on the T20 World Cup to be held in Australia a year later.

“We, the five selectors, are going from the World Cup to the World Cup. We are certainly preparing for the 2023 World Cup, but our first goal is the T20 World Cup. We are not thinking beyond that. We have no right to assume who will be fit or not. “No one wants to be inappropriate. We are preparing KL Rahul and we also have Bumrah. We want to learn from them and that will be good for Indian cricket,” Sharma said.

READ: Rohit Sharma “does not fit” KL Rahul to lead South Africa in ODI series in India

The former India international Sharma has also clarified that there is no rift between Kohli and Rohit. Asked if the selectors should sit down and talk to Kohli and Rohit, Sharmak said: “But what?

“Virat and Rohit are fine. Please avoid speculation. They both plan very well together. They have a wonderful friendship. Please leave the discussions behind in 2021, ”Sharma said.