In a massive blow, India’s new Test vice-captain Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of three-match Test series against South Africa, website Cricbuzz reported.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also named India A veteran Priyank Panchal as Rohit Sharma’s replacement.
Sharma has suffered a hamstring injury while practicing at Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex and will miss all three Tests, commencing December 26 in Centurion.
“Priyank Panchal replaces injured Rohit Sharma in India’s Test squad. Rohit 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,” the BCCI tweet stated.
Rohit was named as India’s white-ball captain and vice-captain in Tests on December 8. India are scheduled to play three Tests and as many ODIs in South Africa. The tour begins with the first Test on December 26. Rohit was rested for the two-match Test series against New Zealand, which India won 1-0.