Rohit Sharma unlikely to play in remainder of tri-series: Reports

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma is unlikely to be available for India anytime before the first World Cup warm-up game against Australia on February 8, with the Indian team management not keen on risking him for the must-win encounter against England on January 30 and the tri-series final against Australia on February 1, provided of course that India get there.

Rohit, who is set to open the innings for India during the World Cup, started off the ongoing tri-series in magnificent fashion, scoring a composed 138 off 139 balls against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), including 9 fours and 4 sixes, when the rest of the batsmen struggled. However, just when the Mumbaikar seemed to be finding his best form ahead of the World Cup, he unfortunately injured his hamstring and has been missing from action ever since.

"Chances of Rohit playing in the tri-series even if India reaches final is next to nil. He is recovering but the Indian team management does not want to risk a key player with the World Cup starting in less than three weeks," a source told PTI on Tuesday.

"The physio said after having a look at the MRI reports that Rohit needed a week's rest and after that could start training. With Shikhar Dhawan completely out of form, they do not want to risk Rohit in this tournament as they have a World Cup to play. The February 8 and 10 warm-up games against Australia and Afghanistan will serve as Rohit's match-fitness test," the source added.