India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak on Monday said he has not yet received official confirmation regarding whether Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have cleared their fitness tests ahead of the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. However, Kotak added that he has heard both players are doing well and is optimistic about their availability.
Fitness Tests at Centre of Excellence
Rohit and Hardik have been named in India's squad for the three-match ODI series, subject to clearance from fitness tests conducted at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Hardik has been recovering from a back spasm, while Rohit sustained a hamstring injury during the Indian Premier League (IPL). Both players missed multiple matches during the tournament.
“I have honestly not got the news whether they have been cleared or not. But I'm sure they will be there. Whatever I heard, they are fine, but they have to go and do that fitness test or whatever the rule is,” Kotak said when asked about the duo's fitness status.
India's Preparations for ODI Series
Kotak also outlined India's preparations for the ODI series. He said the ODI squad will assemble on Monday and Tuesday before a training session under lights on Wednesday. The team is scheduled to leave for Dharamsala on Thursday.
“But the ODI players will join, they'll join here, and day after tomorrow evening, there might be a light practice. So there might be a light practice session,” Kotak added.
India's Dominant Test Victory
The update came after India completed a one-off Test against Afghanistan inside three days in Mullanpur. After declaring at 564/8 in the first innings, India bowled Afghanistan out for 152 and enforced the follow-on. The visitors were then dismissed for 112 in their second innings as India secured their biggest victory in Test cricket history, winning by an innings and 300 runs.
Debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar starred with figures of 6/33 in Afghanistan's first innings, while Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav shared seven wickets in the second innings.
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