Gambhir, Laxman unhappy with BCCI’s handling of Rohit Sharma situation

Tags: India, Vangipurappu Venkata Sai Laxman, Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Gurunath Sharma

Published on: Dec 01, 2020

Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir feels that the entire controversy surrounding the Rohit Sharma fiasco could have been handled in a much better manner. Rohit was initially not selected in any of three squads for the tour of Australia. However, following the hullabaloo over his participation in the IPL 2020 play-offs, including the final, he was added to the Test squad.

At the time of his selection, it was believed that he would be fit by the time of the Test series. However, now it has emerged that neither him nor Ishant Sharma might be available for the Test series although nothing has been confirmed yet. According to Gambhir, all that was needed to handle the situation better was some basic communication skills.

“The Rohit Sharma situation could’ve been handled pretty easily since there wasn’t any need for too many people to get involved. Only the head physio, head coach and chairman of selectors were to be involved in the injury case. Had there been clear communication with the 3, it would’ve been enough. Of course, Virat Kohli were to get updated at every step through Ravi Shastri,” Gautam Gambhir said on Star Sports show Cricket Connected.

Another former India cricketer VVS Laxman too was of the view that BCCI should have been better equipped to handle the situation. Laxman also feels that BCCI perhaps did not factor the quarantine situation completely while taking a call on Rohit.

“Rohit Sharma is a very valuable player in Test matches. So I would’ve kept him in the chain, subject to fitness, would’ve definitely kept him in the picture. Secondly, you could’ve sent him with the team after that, keeping the quarantine rules in mind. Because there is a 14-day quarantine, in the soft quarantine since you have been in the bubble in UAE. Then you move to another bubble (in Australia). In soft quarantine, you can practice, train with teammates, hit the gym.

But when you’re taking a commercial flight to Australia, you won’t be allowed to go out of your room and mingle and come in contact with people. So, I believe, the BCCI should’ve thought of this in hindsight,” Laxman added on the show.

India have had a horror start to their tour of Australia, losing the first two ODI matches, to concede the series with one match in hand.

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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