After being absent in India’s disappointing tour in South Africa this month, newly appointed captain Rohit Sharma has passed a fitness test and will lead the Indian side in three One Day Internationals and three T20’s, beginning on February 6. Due to injury, Rohit Sharma did not travel to South Africa, where the Men in Blues lost 3-0 against the proteas under KL Rahul’s leadership.

According to trusted sources, the 34-year-old, Rohit Sharma, passed his fitness test at NCA (National Cricket Academy)

“Yes, Rohit cleared his fitness test. Will be leading the side in the upcoming series against West Indies.”

That source also confirms that Jasprit Bumrah, who played all games against South Africa in both the Test and ODI series, will be rested. The decision has been taken after looking at the busy International schedule this year for the Indian team.

“Jasprit Bumrah is to be rested, as his workload management is important looking at the international calendar. Featured in all the Tests and ODIs against South Africa. So, important we give him a break.”

India is currently the number 2 T20 side in ICC rankings and has a great opportunity to climb up to the top of the rankings with a series win against the 10^th ranked side West Indies. Rohit Sharma’s men will play three T20Is against the two time World champion in this format at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Before that, they will lock horns in the three-match ODI series which will be held at Ahmedabad.

What Did Gautam Gambhir Say About The New Indian Skipper?

Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir thinks that Rohit Sharma should lead the team across all three formats of the game which will bring some stability to the pattern India wants to play in near future. There is T20 World Cup coming up later this year and of course, the ODI World Cup coming in two years time.

Kohli left the captaincy from Test cricket after helping India to win 40 matches in 68 games which made him the most successful captain for India in the red-ball format. Kohli took India from 7^th rank to the top of the charts after becoming captain in 2014. On the other hand, the record in the limited-overs format shows a different story.  Gambhir thinks that Kohli failed to create a solid middle order for the team in his time as captain, something Rohit Sharma should look into.

“In my book, Rohit Sharma should lead India across all formats with Rahul as his deputy. Single captain across formats will ensure consistency in the style and approach of Team India. That is, especially considering that we have another T20 World Cup later this year,” Gambhir wrote in his column for the Times of India.

“Between the last Test and ODI series, news space has been full with Virat resigning from the Test captaincy. Think this is an individual’s call and that is how it should be treated. Virat left the Indian Test team in good health but I can not say the same about white-ball cricket.”

“Our bowling resources in Test matches are a neighbour’s envy and owner’s pride. Have shown time and time again they are the engine room for a team’s performance. In limited-overs cricket, would have liked to see a more settled middle-order, which Virat could not create.”