India Captain Rohit Sharma is reportedly doubtful for the upcoming third ODI against Sri Lanka, scheduled to be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday (August 7).
The veteran batsman might miss the upcoming match due to a thigh injury. The right-handed batsman suffered the injury while batting during the second ODI on Sunday (August 4).
On the fifth ball of the 13th over, he had played a hard sweep against Dunith Wellalage to hit the left-arm spinner for a six.
Immediately after the shot, Rohit called the physiotherapist and received treatment. He only had to bowl two more deliveries after that before being dismissed by Jeffrey Vandersay. Recent reports indicate that the India captain has not participated in the training session at all after the second ODI.
On Tuesday (August 6), as the Indian team was preparing for the upcoming game, Rohit Sharma decided not to participate in any batting, bowling or fielding drills.
It would not be surprising if the team management decided to rest him for the third match. If Rohit is rested, KL Rahul could be promoted to the starting line-up and one of Riyan Parag and Rishabh Pant could find a place in the middle order.
Rohit Sharma did not bat at all today – He did not bat, he did not bowl, he did not do fielding drills –
In the last game, over 12.5, the team’s physiotherapist attended to him while he was batting. There is some discomfort in that right thigh.
Today’s rest seems to be a precautionary measure. #RohitSharma���� @RevSportzGlobal photo.twitter.com/iyN6Mu24rI– Rohit Juglan Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) August 6, 2024
Rohit Sharma’s campaign so far:
The Indian team management is hoping that Rohit’s injury is not serious and that he will still be available for the third and final ODI. The captain’s absence would be a major blow for the Indian team, who would be desperate to win the next match and draw the series. Sri Lanka is currently leading the series 1-0.
Rohit has been India’s best batsman in the series so far. He scored half-centuries in both ODIs, but his efforts ultimately went in vain as the other batsmen failed to deliver.
In the first game, Rohit Sharma made a fifty in 33 balls and shared a 75-run stand with Shubman Gill for the first wicket. However, India could not reach 231 and were bowled out for 230 runs, thus the game ended in a draw.
Rohit Sharma continued his excellent form in the second ODI and scored a fifty off 29 balls. He scored 64 runs off just 44 balls and added 97 runs with Gill for the opening wicket.
However, India’s middle-order batsmen disappointed again as Sri Lanka bowled out the visitors for 208 runs to win the game by 32 runs.