Rohit Sharma looks set for a return to India colours with the first of three T20Is against England on July 7 after testing negative for Covid-19. The Indian skipper had to miss the critical Edgbaston Test versus the hosts after returning positive in the days leading into the fixture but is on his way back now.
Rohit tested positive during India’s warm-up game against Leicestershire at Grace Road from June 23-27. The cricketer had to be isolated from the rest of the Indian playing contingent and be confined to a hotel room.
A relaxed set of COVID-19 guidelines helped ease things up for the experienced Indian opener but he had to report negative to the next test for the coronavirus. That negative test has finally arrived.
While an official confirmation is awaited, a BCCI functionary told PTI Rohit has recovered from the contagious virus and is all set for a comeback to playing duties with the opening game of the T20I series in Southampton.
“Yes, Rohit has tested negative and as per medical protocols is now out of quarantine. However, he is not playing today’s T20 warm-up game against Northamptonshire as he will need some recovery time and training ahead of the first T20I,”
PTI quoted a senior BCCI official as saying on July 3.
As per the medical protocols set in place for India’s month-long tour of England, “any player who is out of quarantine needs to undergo mandatory cardiovascular tests to check their lung capacity post COVID-19.”
In Rohit’s absence, the Indian team management, headed by coach Rahul Dravid appointed ace quick Jasprit Bumrah as skipper for the Test match in Birmingham, the all-important fifth Test of last year’s postponed five-game series for the ‘Pataudi Trophy’.
Given the super quick turnaround and switch of the formats, Rohit will be the only Test match regular who will play the opening T20I at Ageas Bowl, with the likes of Bumrah, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer joining him for the second and the third T20Is on July 9 and 10.
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