India star has been out of action with a thigh injury, but hopes to make his comeback during the Test series
Rohit targets return against Australia
India batsman Rohit Sharma is targeting a return to international cricket during the upcoming four-Test series against Australia.
Rohit missed India’s epic five-Test, three-ODI and three-T20I series against England after injuring his thigh in the final one-day international against New Zealand last October and is not part of the squad set to play Bangladesh in a one-off Test starting February 9.
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But the 29-year-old says he has fully recovered from thigh surgery and believes he can build a case for inclusion during the series against Australia, which will feature Tests in Pune, Bangalore, Ranchi and Dharamshala.
"I am trying to make a comeback in the Australia series," Rohit told Indian media.
“That is the series I am eyeing. I am at the NCA (National Cricket Academy) right now and everybody is trying to help me out.
“I can't give an exact date but I will try to play the series against Australia."
"I have been in a very positive frame of mind during this phase (injury period).
“Injuries are part and parcel of a game, you can't avoid them for long.”
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Rohit was impressive during the three-Test series against the Black Caps that preceded the ODIs, amassing 238 runs at 79.3 batting at No.6.
He had a leaner run in the ODIs, a format he averages more than 40 in with the bat, scoring 14, 15, 13, and 11 before injuring his thigh in the final ODI while trying to complete a run, batting on to score a crucial 70.
India named their squad to meet Bangladesh in Hyderabad this week, with opener Abhinav Mukund recalled more than five years after his last Test appearance.
The left-handed batsman, who played the last of his five Tests against England in 2011, was included following a fine domestic performance this summer when he accumulated 849 runs, including four centuries.
Fit-again wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha also made his way back into the side after recovering from a thigh injury sustained during the recent home series against England.
Parthiv Patel, who scored two half-centuries in three games against England during Saha's absence, failed to make the cut.
Injured paceman Mohammed Shami, who missed the last two Tests against England, was also not picked by the MSK Prasad-led selection committee that met in New Delhi.
Batsman Ajinkya Rahane as well as Yadav and Hardik Pandya returned to the team after suffering injuries during the England series.