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Ever since Rohit Sharma tested positive for COVID-19, questions on his availability for the fifth Test against England were raised. While a few reports claimed that Sharma has been ruled out of the only Test, India head coach Rahul Dravid denied all such claims stating that the Indian captain is still being monitored by the medical team.
Ahead of the fifth Test, Rahul Dravid talked about the Indian captain’s availability and said that a final verdict will be made after reports of the two covid tests are out. "Rohit is being monitored by our medical team, he is not yet been ruled out," head coach Rahul Dravid said. "Obviously, he needs to get the negative test to be available. So we will keep monitoring that, we've still got close to 36 hours to go. He will have a test later tonight and maybe one tomorrow morning as well. And then we'll see."
"Obviously, he'll have to come out of that, and it's really up to the medical team and sports science team to decide on that. We haven't had a chance to see him, since he is in isolation. But we will keep monitoring the situation", Dravid added. Notably, India will lock horns with England in the fifth rescheduled Test from July 1.
You will hear from the official sources: Dravid on Bumrah leading the side
The head coach also said that he will refrain from making any official communication as it’s the job of the selectors to clarify who is available for selection or not and who will be leading the side in Rohit’s absence.
"It is probably better if the communication comes from official sources. I am not sure where Chetan (Sharma, the chief selector) is, but once we have the exact clarity on Rohit, you will hear from the official sources. It's not for me to give out official communication," the head coach said.
Notably, reports have claimed that Jasprit Bumrah will lead India in the fifth rescheduled Test against England if Rohit Sharma fails to recover in time.