Hamstrung batsman Rohit Sharma dismissed rumours about his relationship with India's cricket board, suggesting that recovering at home will help ensure he is fit for the first Test against Australia.
Sharma tweaked his hamstring during the recently-completed Indian Premier League and initially wasn't named in India's squad for the tour of Australia.
The veteran, who returned from his setback and scored 68 in the IPL final to help deliver Mumbai a fifth IPL title, was belatedly added to the touring party.
But Sharma skipped last week's charter flight to Sydney, preferring to continue his rehab at India's national academy.
The series of events prompted plenty of speculation about Sharma's place in the team, especially given wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha tweaked both his hamstrings and headed straight to Australia as part of his plan to be ready for the four-Test series.
"I don't know what was going on to be honest and what all ... people (were) talking about," Sharma told Press Trust of India.
"But let me put this on record, I was constantly communicating with the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and Mumbai Indians.
"For me, it was not a concern what X, Y or Z was talking about like 'whether he would make it to Australia'.
"Hamstring is feeling absolutely fine. Just started the process of getting it nice and strong."
The 33-year-old trails only Virat Kohli on the International Cricket Council's ODI batting charts, underlining how big a void he will leave during the limited-overs series that starts in Sydney on Friday.
Sharma made no apologies for prioritising the first Test, which starts at Adelaide Oval on December 17.
"There is still some work that needs to be done on my hamstring. That's why I didn't go to Australia for the white-ball leg," he said.
"Before I play the longer format, I needed to be clear in mind that there is no stone left unturned.
"I thought if I get to work on my body for 25 days, I can probably go and play the Test matches.
"So it was an easy decision for me and I don't know why it became so complicated for others."
Meanwhile, India's squad is mourning the death of fast bowler Mohammed Siraj's father.
Siraj, who is quarantining in Sydney, was offered the option of a flight home but decided to stay in Australia.
Australian Associated Press
