It is concerning for India that as the business end of the Champions Trophy approaches, their captain, and maverick opener Rohit Sharma is likely encountering a hamstring injury. The injury was sustained during India’s hotly-contested match against Pakistan in Dubai last Sunday, where he had came off the field temporarily.
Later, Rohit opened the innings and carved out a brisk 20 off just 15 balls as India coasted to victory at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Cricbuzz reported that Rohit was retired from the nets during an “intense batting session.” The 37-year-old did not attend practice in order to not exacerbate the injury given their crucial matches ahead.
India has already qualified for the semifinals and will take on New Zealand next in their final Group A fixture. The winner of that encounter will head the group.
Rohit’s opening partner and vice-captain for India, Shubman Gill, also did not end up attending the practice session as he preferred to stay indoors. Gill, who scored a century in India’s opening match of the tournament, has been reported as unwell.
On the other hand, Rishabh Pant has received all clear of his recent fever and did a workout out on the nets on Wednesday.
Mohammed Shami is now bowling flat out in the nets, easing some fears of yet another fitness scare after he walked off with an ankle injury during the Pakistan match after just three overs. The veteran made a brief return to the field before coming on to deliver five more overs.
India has kept the same playing XI in the first two matches of the ICC tournament, and they will likely rest a couple of players in the next match to ensure that their best players are in shape for the semifinals.
On the second of March, India will be in action against New Zealand. In their first match of the tournament, India beat Bangladesh by six wickets and then went on to beat Pakistan also by six wickets.
