Rohit Sharma has started batting in the nets and is expected to be fit by the end of the first week of January ahead of the ODI series versus Sri Lanka. KL Rahul and Virat Kohli have been rested despite not asking for the break as the selectors felt they needed the rest.
Jasprit Bumrah was declared fit and was available for the selection, but the selection committee decided not to rush with him. Instead, they want him to go for training that replicates the workload of a proper match and see how his body reacts before bringing him back to international cricket.
The situation is the same for Ravindra Jadeja, who was earlier named in the squad for the Bangladesh tour. Then, however, he was removed from the team as the selectors wanted to see him in a match situation.
Rishabh Pant has been told to report to the National Cricket Academy for strength and conditioning before the Test series against Australia. He will have a key role to play in the Tests and needs a break after playing 44 international matches in 2022.
India must win three of four Test against Australia to qualify for the World Test Championship final.