The Indian quintet, comprising of Rohit Sharma, Navdeep Saini, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw, has been making the headlines for the last couple of days for allegedly breaching the bio-secure protocols after dining in a restaurant on the New Year’s day in Melbourne. An Indian fan uploaded a picture on his Twitter handle in which the quintet could be seen sitting in a restaurant while having their lunch. Iro non a kind gesture, the fan also paid the bill for their lunch.
It didn’t take too long for the post to get viral as all five players came under heavy criticism for breaching the protocols. It has been understood that both BCCI and Cricket Australia are currently investigating the matter. Furthermore, there have been talks going around that all five players might have to lose out their place in the playing XI for the third Test, starting from 7th January in Sydney.
However, if a recent report by The Sydney Morning Herald is to be believed, all five players have been granted permission to play the Third Test. Also, the BCCI is likely to opt for a pragmatic approach to the current situation and has said that three players such as Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are going to be certain starters in the playing XI for the third Test.
The quintet travelled with the team to Sydney while maintaining social distance from the other team members. They are currently placed in isolation from the rest of the squad.
As far as the Test series is concerned, both teams have currently won 1 match apiece with 2 Tests remaining. India bundled out for just 36 runs in the first Test, losing the game by 8 wickets. It was followed by a solid comeback to win the second Test by 8 wickets. In the absence of Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane will have a big responsibility on his shoulders to exhibit solid performances in the final two Tests.
