Rohit Sharma clears YoYo test, takes a dig at critics

Last week, skipper Virat Kohli and veteran M.S. Dhoni, along with other UK-bound limited overs specialists had cleared the YoYo Test, save Ambati Rayudu.

Rohit had sought exemption for the Yo-Yo test at an earlier date from the BCCI as he had a sponsor commitment in Russia. (File Photo)

Putting an end to speculation on his fitness, star batsman Rohit Sharma cleared the mandatory YoYo test on Wednesday and then fired a salvo at his critics, who questioned his exemption from the June 15 test.

Last week, skipper Virat Kohli and veteran M.S. Dhoni, along with other UK-bound limited overs specialists had cleared the YoYo Test, save Ambati Rayudu. Rohit had sought exemption from the BCCI as he had a sponsor commitment in Russia.

BCCI GM (Cricket Operations) Saba Karim had informed that it wasn’t mandatory for him to appear on the scheduled date as he had taken permission in advance.

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On Wednesday, India’s limited overs vice-captain took the test at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru and then announced on social media that he has cleared it. Rohit also took a dig at a section of media, that put a question mark over his fitness.

Dear... it's no ones business how & where I spend my time.I'm entitled to have time off as long as I follow protocol.Let's debate some real news shall we & to a few channels,I had just 1 chance to clear my yo-yo that was today.Verification before reporting is always a good idea

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) June 20, 2018

 

The BCCI had kept Ajinkya Rahane on standby in case Rohit fails to achieve the qualifying mark of 16.1. In the recent past, senior pacer Mohammed Shami and Rayudu had failed the YoYo test and lost their place in the side. Talented Sanju Samson was also dropped from the A tour of England after he failed to clear the mark.

The senior team will start its UK campaign on June 27 with a two-match T20 series against Ireland in Dublin. The second match will be played on June 29. The Indian team will depart from Delhi on June 23.