The duo, who has been recovering at the National Cricket Academy need time to be in rhythm before the red-ball games against Australia
Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma have been ruled out of the first two tests against Australia starting next month.
In a report by ESPNcricinfo, the duo's participation in the last two games depends upon the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) quick and decisive action.
As, for Ishant to be available for selection for the third test, he needs workload of four weeks. The speedster, who has started bowling after recovering at the NCA, needs to be match ready for the challenges of test-match bowling.
Considering the 14-day quarantine period required to serve in Australia, Ishant will have to leave for Australia almost immediately. The third test starts on January 7 in Sydney, before that four weeks of training and two weeks of isolation would mean Ishant should be on a plane to Australia maximum by November 26.
Ishant's bowling practice has increased over the past week but the doubts over his match fitness still loom large around him being able to bowl 20 overs - required in a test match. As per a BCCI source, had it been a T20 game, Ishant could have started immediately but for test matches he will have to undergo four weeks of training.
On the other hand, Rohit's case is completely different. Rohit will only be cleared by the NCA on December 8 and 14-day quarantine will mean he can start practice only after December 22.
According to a BCCI source, Rohit would have had a better chance of featuring in the Test Series had he been to Australia with the whole squad when they left on November 11. As per reports, another two weeks of rehabilitaion is still needed for him to become match-fit. (With inputs from ESPNcricinfo).
Absence of Sharma duo - Big blow to India's balance and strength
With Virat Kohli going amiss from the final three test matches, absence of Rohit and Ishant could further deepen the gaps in the India's test team as their chances against a strong Australian outfit are receding by the day. Even though, there are reports of Shreyas Iyer being added to the test squad, it will be a test for India's young bench strength.
KL Rahul, who is returning to the test squad after getting dropped owing a poor show in the longest format, will have to take the onus on him in the absence of the two stalwarts. With Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill as backups, the youngsters will surely be tested against Australia's fearsome bowling attack.
Although, Rohit has not been a regular feature in India's overseas tests, India will miss the other Sharma more. Ishant, who has been the leader of the bowling attack for the last few years has been in an exceptional form with the red-ball.
After having made a solid combination with the likes of Shami and Bumrah, Sharma has taken wickets consistently for themen in blue not just in away tests but at home too. Now, with him being not there Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Siraj could get a look in and will have to perform from the outset.
India also have fast-bowling backups in Ishan Porel and Kartik Tyagi, who were picked as reserves for the test tour.
The series against Australia starts this Friday with 3 One-day internationals and 3 T20Is, in Sydney.
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