‘It's a massive blow’ – Gautam Gambhir reacts after Rohit Sharma gets ruled out of South Africa Tests

Former left-handed batter Gautam Gambhir reckoned that Team India have been jolted with a body blow after Rohit Sharma was ruled out of the three-match Tests series against South Africa. On December 8, Rohit was named as the national Test vice-captain, replacing Ajinkya Rahane, but a hamstring injury has made sure he won’t be there for the red-ball matches.

Gambhir, who retired from all forms of cricket three years ago in December 2018, said that Rohit’s exclusion can be a massive setback, especially after how he performed in the England Tests earlier this year. The 34-year-old Sharma was the second-highest run-scorer in the series, having amassed 368 runs from four matches at an average of 52.57.

It was on the same tour that he managed to register his maiden Test century on overseas soil. Gambhir, also a former World No.1 Test batter, mentioned that Rohit would be gutted on missing out.

Gautam Gambhir opines

“It’s a big blow for India and the way he batted in England, he would have like to go, South Africa, as he wouldn’t want to miss a Test while being in good form. He was just appointed as a vice-captain so it’s a massive blow,” Gambhir was quoted as saying on NDTV.

The right-handed Priyank Panchal has been roped in as Rohit’s replacement for the series and Gambhir backed the Young Turk to perform well. “Great opportunity for youngster to pick up this opportunity and make the country proud,” he added.

The Nagpur-born Rohit sustained the injury during a training session and it remains to be seen if he can make the cut for the ODI series.

“Team India Test vice-captain Rohit Sharma sustained a left hamstring injury during his training session here in Mumbai yesterday. He has been ruled out of the upcoming 3-match Test series against South Africa. Priyank Panchal will replace Rohit Sharma in the Test squad,” a BCCI release was quoted as saying.

Rohit’s absence invariably means that India may go in with the opening pair of Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill for the opening Test at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. Johannesburg and Cape Town will host the remaining two Tests of the series.