(AFP Photo)
India captain Rohit Sharma is reportedly uncertain for the third ODI against Sri Lanka, scheduled for Wednesday, August 7, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Sharma is dealing with a thigh injury sustained while batting in the second ODI on August 4. The injury occurred after he executed a slog sweep against Dunith Wellalage, hitting the spinner for a six on the fifth ball of the 13th over. Following the shot, Rohit sought treatment from the physio and faced just two more deliveries before being dismissed by Jeffrey Vandersay.
Recent updates suggest that Rohit has not participated in any training sessions since the second ODI. On August 6, during the team’s practice, Rohit chose to sit out all batting, bowling, and fielding drills.
Given this situation, it wouldn’t be surprising if the management opts to rest him for the third ODI. If Rohit is unavailable, KL Rahul might be moved up to open the batting, with Riyan Parag or Rishabh Pant potentially filling a spot in the middle order.
Rohit Sharma’s campaign so far
The Indian team management is hopeful that Rohit Sharma’s injury is not severe and that he will be fit for the third and final ODI. Losing the captain would be a significant setback for India, who are eager to win the match and level the series, with Sri Lanka currently leading 1-0.
Rohit has been India’s standout performer in the series so far, delivering two half-centuries. Despite his strong performances, the efforts of other batsmen have fallen short.
In the first ODI, Rohit scored a quickfire 33-ball fifty and partnered with Shubman Gill for a 75-run opening stand. Despite this, India fell just short of the 231-run target, being all out for 230, and the match ended in a tie.
Rohit continued his impressive form in the second ODI with a rapid 29-ball fifty, amassing 64 runs off 44 balls and forming a 97-run opening partnership with Gill. Unfortunately, India’s middle-order faltered again, and Sri Lanka dismissed India for 208 runs, securing a 32-run victory.
