Rohit Sharma, the captain of India’s limited-overs team, is all but certain to mark his return to international cricket next month for the home matches against West Indies after missing out on the tour of South Africa.
Sharma, who was appointed as the full-time T20I and ODI skipper ahead of the South Africa tour, couldn’t take the flight as he strained his left hamstring during a net session prior to departure.
The selectors didn’t want to take any risks with his injury and hence opted to not send him to South African. The opener went to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for recovery and rehabilitation and is likely to feature in the 3-T20I and 3-ODI series against West Indies in February.
A BCCI source in the know of developments told PTI, “Rohit’s rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) is going very well. He is expected to recover for the West Indies series. There are still three weeks left for the first ODI to be played in Ahmedabad from February 6.”
As per the BCCI policy, every player has to compulsorily appear for the fitness test at the NCA before getting the ‘Fit to Play’ certificate. Only after receiving this, the selection committee is informed about the player’s availability.
The series against West Indies comprises three ODIs and as many T20Is. The ODI matches will be played on February 6, 9, and 12 while the T20Is on 15, 18, 20.
After the West Indies, India host Sri Lanka for a 2-Test series followed by 3 T20Is. The BCCI or the selectors haven’t yet announced the new Test captain following Virat Kohli’s resignation last week.
Rohit Sharma, who was the designated Test vice-captain for the South Africa tour, is the frontrunner to be promoted to the captaincy post. However, Rohit has had a history of injury issues and the selectors will have to keep in mind the workload of a three-format player and captain should they turn to the 34-year-old opener to fulfil the vacant Test captaincy position.
