Bangladesh vs India 2022

Bengal batter set to replace injured Rohit Sharma for the Test series against Bangladesh

India were dealt with a major blow when their captain Rohit Sharma injured his left thumb while attempting a catch in the second ODI on Wednesday (7 December). Although Sharma came to bat and played a blistering knock of 51* (28), he did not look comfortable. The captain confirmed there is no fracture, but head coach Rahul Dravid revealed that Rohit will fly back to India seeking experts’ advice on the injury.

Resultantly, Sharma has been ruled out of the third ODI, set to be played on 10 December. In addition to that, the Indian captain is doubtful for the two-match Test series as well.

“Rohit will certainly miss the next game fly back to Bombay, consult with an expert and see how it is and whether he can come back for the Test matches or not, I’m not sure. It’s too soon to say that,” Rahul Dravid said in a post-match press conference.

Abhimanyu Easwaran might get an opportunity

Meanwhile, it’s reported that Abhimanyu Easwaran will replace Sharma in the third ODI and the two Tests, slated to be played after the ODI series.

“Abhimanyu Easwaran has scored back-to-back hundreds in the ongoing A Test series and is an opener. In all likelihood, he will join the squad in Chattogram after finishing his second A Test in Sylhet,” a senior BCCI source was quoted as saying.

Easwaran scored 141 in the first A Test and was 144 not out at stumps on day two of the second Test. While Easwaran might come in as Rohit’s cover, it will be stand-in skipper KL Rahul and young Shubman Gill who would be opening the innings for India in Chattogram and Dhaka.

Meanwhile, Deepak Chahar, who only bowled three overs in the second ODI in Dhaka, was also ruled out of the final ODI alongside Kuldeep Sen, who also missed the match on Wednesday.

“All three of them won’t play the next game for sure,” Dravid said. Sourabh Kumar, who had a prolific run for India A on their tour to Bangladesh, will be called in as Ravindra Jadeja’s replacement who is also down and out with injury.