Rohit Sharma is set to miss even India’s second and final Test against Bangladesh beginning in Mirpur on Thursday.
Rohit had injured his left thumb while fielding in the slip cordon in the second ODI earlier this month and had flown home (to Mumbai) soon after with the aim of recovering for at least the second Test. Scans, thereafter, had revealed a dislocation in the thumb that needed a few stitches.
Till late night on Monday, there was no official confirmation from the Indian team or the BCCI on whether Rohit would be out of the second Test too. However, a team source when contacted, said: “He (Rohit) is not here, so you can understand.”
The message thus is quite clear as far as the regular captain’s availability is concerned. With India playing a volume of matches at home from January 2023, one feels it’s better not to risk Rohit and give him sufficient rest so that he returns fully fit for those matches.
India play six ODIs and as many T20Is next month against Sri Lanka and New Zealand at home, the squad for which will be announced in the coming days. The white-ball leg will be followed by a four-Test series at home against Australia beginning on February 9.
It’s obvious India would be needing Rohit in their top order, especially against a formidable Australian attack led by Pat Cummins. The WorldTest Championship (WTC)final berth is also at stake, and a fit Rohit would certainly strengthen India’s batting and boost their prospects.
Beating Bangladesh by 188 runs in the first Test and South Africa losing inside two days to Australia in Brisbane has helped India move up toNo.2 in the WTC standings. No wonder India would be aiming for another victory in order to consolidate their position in the standings.
Rohit’s absence means KLRahul will continue to lead India with young ShubmanGill, who hit his maiden Test century in Chittagong, set for another opportunity.
The Indian team arrived in Dhaka on Monday after taking just the opening session of the final day to seal the first Test. The squad is likely to have training sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Sher-eBangla National Stadium.