Despite suffering a back spasm in India’s seven-wicket win over West Indies, captain Rohit Sharma is hopeful that he will be fit for the fourth Twenty20 International on Saturday. The swashbuckling opener retired hurt on 11 in the second over of the Indian innings after facing some discomfort. In his attempt to swing towards the on-side, Rohit hurt his lower back, which also cut his innings short as well. But India went on to win the game, thanks to Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning 76 at the top and Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 33 in the end as well.
However, former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria believes the captain should take precautions to avoid aggravating the muscle twitch also. “When Rohit Sharma pulled the delivery for a boundary and the way he reacted, as a player, I knew he was in a lot of pain. He should prioritize his fitness and even if it means he needs to rest for the next two games, then it doesn’t matter. India need Rohit Sharma for the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup. So even if he rests, there are ample match-winners and captaincy options like Shreyas, Sanju Samson or even Rishabh Pant,” said Kaneria on his YouTube channel.
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“It is okay at the moment,” Rohit Sharma said after the game. “We’ve got a few days between (now and) the next game, so hopefully I should be okay.”
While Rohit Sharma made an early exit, Yadav hit four sixes and eight boundaries around Warner Park, adding an 86-run stand with Shreyas Iyer, who hit 24. An unbeaten 33 from Rishabh Pant then helped India in taking the lead in the five-game series. Kaneria also heaped praise on Yadav’s stroke-play and the Indian’s ability to flick the ball with efficient wristwork as well.
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“We all know what an incredibly classical player Suryakumar Yadav is. But in modern-day cricket, I don’t think there’s anyone who plays the flick shot as well as him. The way he uses his wrists over the top in the flick, absolutely magnificent,” stated Danish Kaneria.
