Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of ODI and Test series against New Zealand: BCCI Source

India whitewashed New Zealand in the five-match T20I series which concluded on Sunday. Both the teams will now be facing each other in the three One-Day Internationals followed by a Test series. However, ahead of the contest, the visitors have been dealt with a huge blow as Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of both the series due to a calf injury.

Rohit, while batting in the fifth and final T20 International at the Bay Oval, had injured himself. While taking a quick single in the 17th over of the innings, he pulled his calf and needed physio’s attention. Though he continued batting and also hit Ish Sodhi for a huge six, the 32-year-old walked off limping in the same over. He didn’t come out to field as well as India defended 163 to complete a 5-0 whitewash.

Rather after the match, KL Rahul confirmed that his opening partner should be fit enough to take part in the upcoming ODI series.

Another blow to Rohit Sharma’s Test career

However, the BCCI source, on Monday, confirmed that Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of the ODI and Test series against New Zealand. “Top India batsman Rohit Sharma ruled out of ODI and Test series against New Zealand due to calf injury,” the source was quoted as saying by Times of India.

This comes as a huge blow to Rohit Sharma’s Test career which was finally starting to blossom after he started opening the innings during the home season last year. He smacked two centuries and a double century against South Africa and was also the Man of the Series in the three-game rubber. Rohit himself was looking forward to the challenge of playing in New Zealand in Tests and was in good stead as well.

However, with him being ruled out now, it remains to be seen who gets picked to open the innings. While Prithvi Shaw looks set to make his ODI debut, there is no idea who will partner him. KL Rahul is unlikely to open as he is also the wicket-keeper and will mostly bat at five like he did in Rajkot against Australia.

As of now, Mayank Agarwal looks the front runner to replace Rohit Sharma in the ODIs as he was also called up to the World Cup squad last year after Vijay Shankar was ruled out. Shubman Gill is another candidate who might get a go, especially in Tests, after scoring an excellent double hundred in the second innings of the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A recently.