Rohit Sharma Ruled Out Of New Zealand ODIs And Tests: Report

In what could be a huge blow for India ahead of the ODI and Test series against New Zealand, Rohit Sharma has been reportedly ruled out of both the series. The India batting mainstay suffered a calf injury while he was batting in the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand on Sunday.

Rohit Sharma was on 60 when he walked off the field and could not return again. In his absence, KL Rahul led the side and guided India to a seven-run win. Before the start of the New Zealand innings, the BCCI stated that “Rohit Sharma is being assessed at the moment” while after the game, KL Rahul said that “he should be fine in a couple of days”.

However, according to reports he is unlikely to recover in time for the upcoming series. According to ABP journalist G.S. Vivek, Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of the Test and ODI series due to the calf injury.

“Sources say @ImRo45 ruled out of ODIs and Tests against NZ due to injury sustained during final T20,” he wrote.

Breaking: Sources say @ImRo45 ruled out of ODIs and Tests against NZ due to injury sustained during final T20. I assume @mayankcricket is obvious in ODIs. Interesting @PrithviShaw gets his place back in time with #KLRahul, Shubmam Gill in loop. #INDvsNZ @ABPNews @Wahcricketlive

— G. S. Vivek (@GSV1980) February 3, 2020

If Rohit fails to recover in time for the challenging series, it will be a huge blow for India who are already without their senior opener Shikhar Dhawan. The left-handed batsman could not make it to the tour after suffering a shoulder injury during the ODI series against Australia last month.

Sanju Samson replaced him in the T20I squad while Prithvi Shaw replaced him in the ODI squad. With Rohit Sharma now doubtful, Mayank Sharma might get another recall from the ODI side. In Dhawan and Rohit’s absence, he and Shaw can open the innings.

In the Test side, Prithvi Shaw now looks set to earn a recall while one among Rahul and Shubman Gill could be named as the backup opener.

Also Read: 3 Big Takeaways For Team India From The T20I Series Against New Zealand