It was Australia's deliberate attempt to unsettle Indians and Rohit Sharma with off field chit chat: Pragyan Ojha

There was a lot of chit-chat surrounding the Indian team ahead of the third Test in Sydney. While the match was all set to focus on Rohit Sharma’s much-awaited comeback, it grabbed headlines for other reasons. The breach of bio-bubble protocols and India’s stricter quarantine measures created a lot of stir in the cricket fraternity. In the same light, former spinner Pragyan Ojha feels that it has all been done intentionally to disturb the mindset of Indians.

India has levelled the series 1-1 after their brilliant show at MCG, and the Sydney Test will be too crucial for both teams. With all the men tested negative for COVID-19, everything has been put to rest. Ojha feels that it was an attempt to unsettle the tourists, especially hitman Sharma who would be marking his return in the game after some gap.

“I think, at this point in time, he would be looking forward to the game starting. Because there has been so much talk off the ground. All the cricketers will be looking forward to the game starting because then everything else quietens down, it’s about the cricket,” said Ojha in a chat with Sports Today.

They were trying to corner Rohit Sharma: Pragyan Ojha

Sharma is considered one of the biggest stars of Indian cricket who has brought many laurels for the team. His career in the longest format has not been too sparkling as compared to limited-overs, but his recent heroics in Test has turned the tables and kicked off a new chapter in his life. Ojha felt that such off-field noise was attempted to unsettle Sharma, but it would make him more focused in turn.

“They were trying to corner Rohit Sharma because the new Rohit is a person who can make a lot of difference to the team. As a leader, he can be a great help to Ajinkya Rahane. As a batsman, if he gets going, it will be very tough. Maybe, they thought of trying and unsettle our boys. Rohit Sharma, with all these that have happened to him, he will be much more focussed and really looking forward to the Test match,” concluded Ojha.