Rohit Sharma ruled out of remainder of New Zealand tour: Reports

In a major blow for the Indian cricket team, opener Rohit Sharma is set to be ruled out of the remainder of the New Zealand tour. The opener injured himself while batting in the 5th and final T20I, as India completed a historic clean sweep. The Indian team are set to play 3 ODIs and 2 Test matches, where Sharma was slotted to play a crucial role at the top of the order.

The news of Sharma’s injury was confirmed by PTI, though BCCI are yet to release an official confirmation on his injury status. The tweet by the news agency read:

Top India batsman Rohit Sharma ruled out of ODI and Test series against New Zealand due to calf injury: BCCI source

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 3, 2020

Rohit looked in blistering form during the series, scoring an unbeaten 60 in the final match. He also hit two memorable sixes to clinch India’s maiden Super Over victory in Hamilton. But the opener injured his calf in the final game while running between the wicket. There was a long delay in proceedings as the physios tended to his injury. After facing a couple of deliveries, Rohit decided to hobble off the field, looking in obvious discomfort.

This won’t be India’s first injury blow during their tour of New Zealand. Shikhar Dhawan was first ruled out of both the ODI and T20I series after injuring his shoulder against Australia. Pacer Ishant Sharma is also in serious doubt for the Test series after injuring his ankle during a Ranji Trophy game.

In Sharma’s absence, it will be interesting to see who the selectors name as his replacement. Mayank Agarwal will be the obvious frontrunner for the ODIs after a successful start to his Test career. Shubman Gill could also be in the fray after his brilliant form on India A’s tour of New Zealand. Nonetheless, replacing Rohit, who has been in the form of his life across all formats will not be an easy task.