DHARAMSHALA: It is not often that Rohit Sharma cuts a quiet figure in a team setting. On Friday evening, he ambled around the centre square, casually joining fielding drills while others went through a far more intense routine before nets. Rohit has never been the most agile, but his presence has always carried weight. This time, even the familiar banter was missing.
Audition for the 2027 World Cup
The ODI World Cup in South Africa is still 15 months away, but the three-match series against Afghanistan, starting Saturday, feels like the start of an audition. Rohit, now 39, sits on 282 ODIs, 33 centuries and 11,577 runs. Yet, he is having to justify his place again and, more importantly, convince the management he can physically endure the demands of elite cricket.
Coach Gambhir and Captain Gill's Role
Head coach Gautam Gambhir, meanwhile, spent a long time in captain Shubman Gill's ear after the latter's batting stint. Rohit quietly slipped into the nets for a second session. Even after the rest wrapped up, he stayed back, practising slip catches with fielding coach T Dilip before Ishan Kishan joined in for wicketkeeping drills.
For Gill, this is hardly straightforward either. Ahead of the last World Cup, Rohit had backed Gill's youthful promise over the experience of Shikhar Dhawan. Now, Gill must decide whether to persist with Rohit or look ahead, potentially pairing himself with Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top. On Friday, Gill did walk across for a brief chat with Rohit after inspecting the pitch before leaving for the team hotel.
Team to Rotate Options
With Virat Kohli ruled out due to a hamstring injury, the series offers an opportunity to test combinations. The management is keen to rotate between KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Harshit Likely to Join Team Before Third ODI
The Indian team management and selectors have asked Harshit Rana to join the team ahead of the third ODI against Afghanistan in Chennai. 'The team management wanted Harshit to join the team earlier in the series but it was decided that he needed more practice at the Centre of Excellence. He has been bowling 9-10 overs every day and he has been able to hold his intensity. He is also working very hard on his batting. He will most likely be officially cleared by the CoE on June 17 and he will travel to Chennai immediately,' BCCI sources told TOI.
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