Here's why Rohit Sharma might not play remainder of IPL 2020

There is perhaps more to Rohit Sharma’s injury than meets the eye. Mumbai Indians have made the entire scenario quite confusing by announcing that their injured captain has hit the nets. The franchise’s tweet came just minutes after the BCCI announced the three squads for India’s upcoming tour of Australia.

Rohit Sharma was not a part of any of the three squads as BCCI’s action made it clear that the India batting star had suffered a serious injury. But Mumbai Indians made things quite confusing by posting video and photos of their skipper batting in the nets and thus giving the impression that the injury is not that serious.

Since then, several reports have emerged about the extent of the injury and now another report has stated that the batsman is “most unlikely” to participate in the remaining IPL matches. Mumbai Indians have already booked their place in the playoffs. According to a report in Mid-Day, Rohit is also not likely to be included in the team for the Australia tour even at a later date. The tour will get underway next month.

“Rohit Sharma may be practising in the nets but he can’t run comfortably on the field. Batting is one thing but running is different,” a source was quoted as saying by the Mid-day.

Rohit Sharma unlikely to be fit in time for the tour

Earlier this week, the BCCI said that their medical team is monitoring him for his hamstring injury. The board’s medical team is also keeping an eye on pacer Ishant Sharma who is currently undergoing a rehabilitation program at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore. Rohit has not played in the IPL since suffering the injury on October 18 during the clash against Kings XI Punjab.

The source, however, said that the opening batsman is unlikely to recover in time for the challenging tour. He further added that even if Rohit recovers, it won’t be possible for the BCCI to send him to Australia because of the prevailing pandemic situation.

“He is unlikely to be fit in time for the tour at this stage and secondly, it will not be possible for the Board to send players or replacements considering the intensity of COVID-19 and bio-bubble requirements. The BCCI and Mumbai Indians may release a statement on his fitness in a few days,” the source said.