Kolkata: India’s regular opener in the limited overs’ format, Rohit Sharma is leaving no stone unturned to make it to the national team for the much-awaited series against Australia starting from February 23.
Rohit was a part of the Indian outfit that took the field against the Kiwis in 2016. However in the last ODI against the same opposition, he suffered a thigh injury and had to undergo a surgery in London which made him sit out of the series against England which ended earlier this month. He is under a thorough rehabilitation programme at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
The ‘hitman’ as many call him, is the only player in international cricket to have reached the 200-run mark twice in ODI’s and the stylish right-hander said that he was fit and ready to play. “I am trying to make a comeback in the Australia series. That is the series I am eyeing. I am at the NCA (National Cricket Academy) right now and everybody is trying to help me out.” said Rohit in an event in Delhi.
Newcomer KL Rahul, who opened the innings for India in the absence of Rohit was also present in the national capital alongside the Mumbai Indians skipper. Both these batsmen were present at the event as brand ambassadors for the launch of Adidas’s first football destination in India- The Base Plaza.
Rahul, who did not enjoy a good run with the willow off-late and scored 8, 5 and 11 runs respectively in the three ODI’s said that India would be having a positive approach going into the series as the team has been quite successful in recent times. No wonder they are the number 1 side in Test cricket.
According to reports from PTI, Rahul said, “The approach will be no different against Australia, as it was against England. We have been doing well in all formats and we are confident of continuing that in the series against Australia.”
Rohit had injured his thigh while trying to complete a run in the final ODI against New Zealand. What created more damage was the fact that he kept on batting after his injury although he made a crucial 70 which led India to a series win.
He was dearly missed in the recently concluded series against England and the skipper, Virat Kohli had to open the innings in the T20 series. Kohli admitted that the opening combination looked shaky with both Rahul and Dhawan failing to deliver in the ODI series.
He said, “If Rohit was in the side, there is no question he would be opening with Rahul. I have no urge to open, I play at three, I can play anywhere according to what the management thinks. You can’t ask someone to open if he has not done it in the past. It would be unfair on him.”
Both Rohit and Rahul were seen to be playing football in this event which also boasted of the presence of Nigerian FIFA World Cupper Rabiu Afolani. The Base Plaza has been specifically designed for the modern footballer, keeping his needs in mind and focuses on redefining their playing experience.
The Base Plaza is spread across an area of 2.5 acres and comprises of two pitches- a natural and an artificial pitch.
While Rohit said that football was his second love after cricket, Rahul admitted that he was attracted more to football before he started playing the gentleman’s game.
(With inputs from PTI)