Team India’s regular skipper Rohit Sharma would be unavailable for the upcoming second and final Test of the two-match series against Bangladesh, scheduled to get underway in Dhaka on December 22.
According to a report in Cricbuzz, Rohit, who missed the opening Test in Chattogram due to a thumb injury, will not travel to Dhaka for the second Test. In his absence, vice-captain KL Rahul, who led the team in the first Test, will continue to lead the tourists in the second game.
According to the report, Rohit, who injured his left thumb while fielding in slips during the second ODI against Bangladesh on December 7, has not fully recovered. Rohit is still suffering from stiffness and considering India’s upcoming projects, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the selectors, along with the team management, have decided not to take any risk with the Mumbaikar.
The report further stated that the medical team has given a green flag to Rohit regarding batting in the second Test, but there is a risk involved while fielding as if the skipper hurt his thumb again; it could be a serious one, therefore, the medical team and the team management decided to continue giving rest to Rohit.
Notably, Team India won the first Test by a massive margin of 188 runs, with Shubman Gill smashing his maiden Test hundred while senior batter Cheteshwar Pujara also returned to form and hitting his 19th ton in the longest format. Rohit’s unavailability could give another opportunity to Shubman, who might’ve missed his place if Rohit had been fit despite scoring a ton.
The Indian team travelled to Dhaka from Chattogram on Monday, where they are supposed to practice over the next two days before the start of the final Test on Thursday (December 22). The win in the upcoming game will further boost India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
