NEW DELHI: According to reports, India's injured skipper Rohit Sharma will not play in the second Test against Bangladesh, which will start on December 22 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka.
Rohit, who missed the first Test in Chattogram after suffering a thumb injury during the second ODI against Bangladesh, will no longer be going to Dhaka, according to a report in Cricbuzz.
In the second and final Test of the series, which India is currently leading by 1-0 after winning the first Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram by 188 runs, vice-captain KL Rahul will take the helm in Rohit's absence in Dhaka.
According to the report, information about Rohit's unavailability broke on Monday (December 19), when it was discovered that the skipper's thumb has not entirely healed and still exhibits some stiffness. The BCCI, the selection committee, and the team management have chosen not to risk him at this point considering the significant duties ahead for the Indian squad."
India will begin their home season against Sri Lanka, which will include three T20Is and as many ODIs, on January 3, 2023, in Mumbai, following their tour of Bangladesh.
"It is learnt that Rohit, who is now in Mumbai, would have been able to bat for the entire Test, but uncertainty lingered regarding the risk associated with fielding. If he sustains another thumb injury, the medical staff and team management believed it may become serious on the field "Moreover, the report stated.
In the second ODI against Bangladesh, Rohit suffered a left thumb injury during fielding, necessitating a flight back to Mumbai to consult a doctor for treatment. India has dodged a significant selection dilemma by not having him available for the Dhaka Test at this time.
Shubman Gill had produced his first Test century in the Chattogram Test triumph, while Rahul, the acting captain and Rohit's backup, had a quiet game at the plate. The management of the squad would have had a significant decision if Rohit had been available for the Dhaka Test when deciding whether to omit Rahul or Gill.
"I believe we will learn more about Rohit in the next day or two. Even I don't even know about it. The Test match was the only thing on everyone's mind "In the Sunday post-game news conference, Rahul had stated.
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