Rohit Sharma likely to play West Indies white-ball series: Report
What's the story
India's limited-overs captain Rohit Sharma could return to action in the white-ball series against West Indies, starting next month. Rohit recently missed the three-match Test series in South Africa due to a hamstring strain. The injury also ruled out him of the subsequent ODI series. On Monday, a BCCI source informed PTI that Rohit is likely to recover ahead of the WI series.
Context
Why does it matter?
After leading Team India in the home T20Is against New Zealand, Rohit missed the South Africa tour due to injury. KL Rahul will lead in his place in the ODI series. Rohit had sustained a left hamstring injury during a training session in Mumbai ahead of the tour. He had replaced Virat Kohli as India's white-ball captain in December.
Quote
Here is the latest update
"Rohit's rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy is going pretty well. He is expected to be okay for the West Indies series. It's still close to three weeks from now before the first ODI is played in Ahmedabad from February 6," a BCCI source said.
Schedule
India vs WI: A look at the schedule
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the first ODI on February 6. The next two ODIs will be held at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium (February 9) and Eden Gardens (February 12), respectively. The three T20Is will take place at the Barabati Stadium (February 15), YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium (February 18), and Greenfield International Stadium (February 20).
Injuries
Hamstring issues have perpetually troubled Rohit
Hamstring issues have perpetually troubled Rohit. He missed the first two Tests and the white-ball leg in Australia in 2020/21 due to the same. As per BCCI's incumbent policy, every player has to clear fitness tests at the NCA in order to play a national series. The selection committee gains information about the availability of the players only from these fitness tests.
Replacement
Rohit is the front-runner to replace Kohli as Test captain
Rohit is the front-runner to replace Kohli as India's Test captain. The latter left the role on Saturday. He was recently appointed India's T20I and ODI captain. It should not come as a surprise if he is handed the charge of the Test side. He is known for his methodical and calm nature. In 43 Test matches, Rohit has scored 3,047 runs at 46.87.