Hamstrung Rohit cautious in nets; Gill stays indoors

On Wednesday night, the Indian team had a meticulous net session that was underscored by the worrying absence of captain Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill. While the lights were on at ICC Academy in Dubai, Rohit seemed to be a passive spectator during the entire three-hour practice. On the other hand, Gill did not come to the ground at all.

They have an undeniable advantage, say Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton about India’s performance in Dubai for the Champions Trophy
The BCCI will create a strategy to prepare players for the England Tests during the IPL
Two powerful players prepare for a possible run-fest in Rawalpindi
My job was to Control the Middle-Over Against Spinners: Virat Kohli
Now that Virat Kohli is back, the game is once more his
Australia and England want to overcome their recent ODI setback in Lahore
Rickelton sets a competition record with his ton
Shubman Gill & Shami ton, Five-fer give India aa winning start
In the Champions Trophy opening, Latham and Young interrupt Pakistan’s celebration
Ahead of the Champions Trophy campaign opener against Pakistan, Kane Williamson accepts contracts with two sides after turning down New Zealand’s core contract
India suffers a devastating blow ahead of the Champions Trophy when a veteran departs the Dubai camp to go back home

There were no official remarks concerning their inactivity, although it’s apparent that while attending the second league match India had against Pakistan on February 23, Rohit suffered a hamstring injury. He took a short break to the dressing room but returned to the field when Pakistan was batting. Rohit also got to bat during the impressive 242 run chase that India pulled off, scoring 20 runs off 15 balls, which included three boundaries and a maximum.

From sizzle to fizzle: The lost spark of India-Pakistan cricket

While teammates were having an animated batting practice, Rohit restricted himself to the sidelines. In all likelihood, Rohit had no intentions of aggravating his injury before India’s third league match against New Zealand on March 2, and the subsequent knockout matches, the semifinals on March 4 and what is anticipated to be the final on March 9.

Given that both sides have already qualified for the semifinals, it wouldn’t be surprising if Rohit rested himself for the New Zealand game. After some consideration, it seems to be a low stakes match, with the sides’ previous group positions adding less weight to the decision as well. In either case, the team is believed to alter the eleven that played on Sunday, and we shall see what comes of it.

While this was said, Gill did not come out of his house. It seems the vice-captain is sick but he should be fit to play in the March 2 game. Rishabh Pant, who showed signs of struggling with fever, appeared to be in great spirits and batted for quite a while in the nets. The only other player who did not bat at all that night was Mohammed Shami, but on the other hand, he went all out against the other key players of the Indian batting lineup, including Virat Kohli. For mor Latest Cricket Update, Click Here