Revealed! Here is why Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of Test series

Days after being named the new vice-captain of the Test team, Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of the three-match series. The in-form opener, who was rested for the home series against New Zealand was expected to continue his golden overseas run in South Africa. But unfortunately, Rohit will have to wait to don the whites.

The Mumbai opener is being replaced by India A skipper Priyank Panchal. While Rohit’s absence is a big blow, it solves a headache for the selectors who were earlier forced to choose from four outstanding openers. KL Rahul is expected to be the first choice while it will be a shootout between Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill.

Why Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of the Test series?

Ever since being promoted to the opening pair, Rohit Sharma has been scintillating form. While he has been phenomenal against the new ball, it has been the injuries that have bothered him in the new role. And yet again it is an injury that has delayed his promotion to the post of vice-captain.

Rohit has been ruled out with an old left-hamstring injury resurfaced during the team’s net session in Mumbai. He reportedly also took a hit to his hand and hence will be missing the three-match Test series. While a stand-in vice-captain for the series has not been announced, Rahul and Ravichandran Ashwin are front runners.

“Team India Test vice-captain Rohit Sharma sustained a left hamstring injury during his training session here in Mumbai yesterday. He has been ruled out of the upcoming 3-match Test series against South Africa. Priyank Panchal will replace Rohit Sharma in the Test squad,” a BCCI press release read.

The extent of Rohit’s injury is not very clear yet. It might be a strain, which is a less serious injury, or a tear, which will have to be graded. “There are some issues but the medical team is trying to sort it out,” a source close to the cricketer told PTI. The nation will be praying for Rohit’s speedy recovery as he will be leading the Indian side in the ODI series to kickoff his full-time white ball duties.

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