In a blow to India, limited-overs vice-captain Rohit Sharma was ruled out of the upcoming ODI and Test series against New Zealand after sustaining a calf injury during the fifth T20 International in Mount Maunganui.
Rohit retired hurt after scoring 60 off 41 balls after he pulled his calf muscle while going for a quick single during the match that India won on Sunday. “He is out of the tour. Right now, it’s not looking good. The physio is assessing him. We will get to know how bad it is but he is not taking any further part in the series,” a top BCCI source told PTI on conditions on anonymity.
India are set to play three ODIs, starting Wednesday, and two Tests after that.
Mayank Agarwal has been confirmed as Rohit’s replacement for the ODI series while Shubman Gill – who recently slammed a double ton against New Zealand day, has been called for the Test series. Agarwal was also India’s reserve opener for the home ODI series against the West Indies. India already have Prithvi Shaw in the ODI squad and the youngster can open for India along with Rahul.
Shikhar Dhawan has already been ruled out from the ODIs due to an injury and Rohit’s sidelining makes matters worse for India. However, with Agarwal and Shaw as covers for the opening slot, Virat Kohli & Co will hope to continue their unbeaten run against the Kiwis.
It has still not been ascertained whether Rohit has had a calf muscle tear but he looked in severe pain even after physio Nitin Patel attended to him.
Despite pain, he smacked a six off Ish Sodhi but had to be replaced after it became unbearable for him.
Rohit’s injury is a big blow to the Indian team especially after his stupendous show across formats in 2019.
He continued his match-winning efforts first against Australia at home followed by two fine knocks in the recently concluded T20 International series against New Zealand, which India won 5-0.
It included a stellar Super Over performance in the third T20I where he hit back-to-back sixes to win the match for India.
