Rohit Sharma has fully recovered from Covid-19 and has joined the Indian team to take on England in three-match T20I series starting July 7.
The player had to watch India’s defeat against England at Edgbaston from the sidelines as he was recovering from Covid-19, but he’s excited to be back fit and fine. The Indian captain looks forward to getting some game time with an eye on the upcoming T20 World Cup.
The 35-year-old is the only addition to the side that toured Ireland last week and will take charge in the first T20 international at Southampton on Thursday. The captain spoke to the media following his training session at Ageas Bowl.
“It was very hard to watch from the sidelines, it’s never an easy situation when you miss games, especially an important game like that, where the series was on the line for us,”
he said, as per Cricbuzz.
Sharma tested positive on June 26, but his return to the field extended beyond the mandatory five-day isolation period. He has returned three Covid negative tests and feels much better. He is excited to get on the field in the T20I and ODI series.
“For a couple of days I was struggling a little bit, but I’m happy I’m standing back on my feet nice and healthy as I look forward to this T20 series followed by the ODI series.”
”It’s always nice to get back and get back playing. I’m excited to be on the field and getting along with the boys.”
Rohit’s first order of action on joining the team was catching up with the interim coach VVS Laxman, who was at the helm in Ireland and during the two warm-ups in England ahead of this series. The captain tried to understand each player’s preparation and what is happening within the team.
“I was just trying to understand what sort of mindset the boys are in, how the preparation has been for each individual. It was just about catching up on things I wasn’t a part of. Obviously, it’s always nice to understand what is happening within the team.”
Rohit stated that while they’re keeping an eye on the upcoming T20 World Cup, winning every game is equally important for the team. He added India will try to tick as many boxes as possible during the series.
“Of course [we are] keeping one eye on the World Cup definitely. I wouldn’t say it’s preparation. Every game for India matters to us. We want to come here and try and tick every box and make sure we get the job done, as simple as that,”
he added.
Rohit is confident that India will compete to their full potential against a strong side such as England. He noted that the youngsters coming through the domestic circuit are eager to do well at the international level.
India will play the first T20I on July 7 at Southampton before heading to Birmingham for the second game on July 9. The third and final T20I will be played at Nottingham on July 10. The caravan will then move onto the ODI series, with three matches taking place at the Oval, Lord’s and Old Trafford on July 12, 14 and 17, respectively.
