There seems to be a curse hanging on Indian openers in the ongoing Asia Cup campaign – after Shikhar Dhawan was forced to sit out of the Pakistan match with a niggle, it is being reported that his partner Rohit Sharma might be sidelined from action with an injury. There has been no major damage to the foot though.
It appears that Sharma is unable to walk properly because of the injury suffered on the left toe, as a result of a blow in the match against Pakistan. It is not yet known how long it will take for the injury to heal. The first ball of the Indian innings was was a toe-cruncher from Mohammad Amir, the effects of which have lingered.
He was taken for a precautionary X-ray check-up on Sunday morning, and tests have shown that he is fine. The soreness still remains, however, and it is a matter of conjecture whether he can walk without unease before India’s next match against Sri Lanka on Tuesday.
It can be hoped at this stage that Rohit will shake the soreness off before the next match. Considering how well India are placed in terms of qualifying for the Asia Cup final, Rohit may even be given a rest so that he may recover fully in time for the Asia Cup final and the World T20 immediately afterwards.
Possible replacements, fan reactions
After losing Mohammed Shami and Shikhar Dhawan to injuries, this would be the toughest blow for India yet. Rohit is in top form – he scored 83 against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup opener, and was unbeatable in the recent tour of Australia.
Because of this development, it is likely that Ajinkya Rahane will continue to find a place in the playing XI in the opener’s slot. If Dhawan also fails to recover, it is possible that an emergency cover will also be called. There are plenty of contenders for the opener’s slot in the Indian XI, Ranji star Shreyas Iyer being a strong one.
One other possibility is that Parthiv Patel, who is present in the squad, will be given a role at the top of the order, and rests given to both Rohit and Dhoni.
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