Rohit Sharma, who has successfully led the Mumbai Indians to their record fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) title with a blitzy 68 in the final, has not been included in the limited-overs series against Australia to give him time to "regain full fitness". And Australia's limited-overs wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey has said that captain Virat Kohli and KL Rahul are the biggest threats in Rohit Sharma's absence. 

"India has a lot of good top-order players who can help fill Rohit's spot. KL Rahul had a very special IPL, we all know what Virat Kohli can do...," Carey said at a press interaction on Tuesday. 

Rohit has suffered a hamstring tear in his left leg on October 18 during the match against Kings XI Punjab, and didn’t fly with the India squad in Australia too.

“I think we all understand how good a player Rohit is and unfortunately for Delhi Capitals; he had a really good outing the other night [IPL final]. So, he is in good form. You also have young talents like Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw, who too might get an opportunity. Although one of the best players in the format isn't going to play for India, we are fully aware of the challenge ahead of us. It will be a great series even though Rohit won't be part of it," Carey further added.

On the other hand, COVID-19 outbreak in Adelaide raised question over the first test which is slated to take place there from December 17. But the batsman is hopeful that the 2020-21 Australian season will go as per the plan.

"It's a concern, more so for everyone in South Australia. It is not ideal to have an outbreak at this stage, but we fully trust the advice that will be given to all the players by Cricket Australia's medical staff… No doubt, I feel the summer of cricket will continue very strongly, starting in Sydney at the SCG. In due course, we will find out more, but for the time being, I believe that the first Test will be played in Adelaide as planned. We, as players, will do everything we can to make sure everyone's safe," Carey again shared.

Meanwhile, Team India has reached Sydney from the UAE last week, and started their practice as well, despite being in the mandatory 14-day quarantine period – which will end on the eve of the first ODI match in Sydney on November 27.