India tour of South Africa: Rohit Sharma injured and ruled out of Test series against South Africa.
India tour of South Africa: Team India’s newly appointed test vice-captain Rohit Sharma has been injured and ruled out of the three matches test series against South Africa, starting December 26. Gujrat batsman Priyank Panchal has been roped in as the replacement for the senior opener.
As per the report of Cricbuzz, it has been learnt that for the last one week, Rohit has been practising in Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai. He suffered a serious injury while having those practice sessions.
The reports further revealed that the Indian cricket board has not named any stand-in test vice-captain as of now. The BCCI is soon likely to make a formal announcement on the same.
Priyank Panchal recently led India A against South Africa A in three unofficial test matches. The opener batter scored 120 runs in the tour at an average of 40.
The blow to Rohit Sharma will be a concern for the BCCI as he has been recently appointed leader of the Indian white-ball team. He was about to lead India for the first time in ODIs against South Africa after becoming a full-time captain.
Team India is scheduled to play three Test matches followed by three ODI matches in South Africa. The tour will begin on December 26.
Moreover, Rohit’s absence in Test format will be a massive blow for the Indians. He is the leading run-getter for India in 2021 in Test matches with an average of over 40. Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is the only other batsman in 2021 who has an average of 40 or above in tests.
The BCCI had rested Rohit Sharma from the recently concluded two matches test series against New Zealand as a part of his workload management.
