In a massive blow to India, opener Rohit Sharma has reportedly been ruled out of the ODI and Test series against New Zealand due to a calf injury. (More Cricket News)
Rohit, who led India in the absence of Virat Kohli in the fifth and final T20I against the Kiwis on Sunday, did not take the field after injuring his calf while batting. India did win the match to whitewash the Kiwis but Rohit's absence became a worrying point despite KL Rahul's assurances that the Mumbaikar will "be fine in a couple of days."
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A day after the historic 5-0 series win, reports emerged that Rohit will miss both the legs -- three ODIs and two Tests. It's also widely reported that Mayank Agarwal will replace him. The Test squad is yet to announced.
"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.
Going by the pecking order, Agarwal is likely to be the reserve opener in the ODI format just like during the home ODIs against the West Indies. However, Shubman Gill, with a double hundred in the ongoing A series Tests against New Zealand A, is also back in the mix.
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The old selection committee under MSK Prasad will be announcing the replacement but it might take some time as convenor of the selection committee, secretary Jay Shah, is on his way to New Zealand along with treasurer Arun Dhumal.
"Once the secretary's approval comes, the replacement will be announced," the source added.
In the Tests, the experienced KL Rahul could well be back donning the India whites while Gill and Prithvi Shaw are likely to fight for the reserve opener's slot.
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, 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 where he hit back-to-back sixes.
(With PTI inputs)
