Indian captain Rohit Sharma‘s back injury woes have added to India‘s growing list of fitness concerns during the ongoing fifth Test against England in Dharamsala. Sharma, who has been in exceptional form this series, was forced to sit out the entire third day due to a stiff back, with vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah leading the team in his absence.
Sharma’s Heroics Put India in Commanding Position
Despite missing the third day’s action, Sharma has already played a pivotal role in India’s dominant position. Over the last three Tests, he has amassed a staggering two centuries, including his 12th overall Test ton, which came in Dharamsala. Riding on his brilliant knock (103 runs) and contributions from other top-order batsmen, India established a healthy lead of 259 runs.
While the loss of Sharma is a setback, India’s top order has displayed remarkable resilience throughout the series. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his impressive run with a crucial 57, his fifth score of fifty or more in the series, with two of them being converted into double centuries.
Shubman Gill also continued his good form, scoring his second century of the series. These contributions, along with fifties from Cheteshwar Pujara (56) and Virat Kohli (55) before his departure for the birth of his child, have laid a strong foundation for India.
India’s Long List of Injuries
India’s bowling attack has also been hit hard by injuries throughout the Test series. Key pacer Mohammed Shami and batting mainstay Virat Kohli missed the entire series due to an ankle injury and the birth of his second child, respectively. KL Rahul (quadricep tendon injury), Ravindra Jadeja (hamstring injury), and R Ashwin (family emergency) have also battled fitness issues during the Test matches. With the crucial IPL season starting on March 22nd and the T20 World Cup scheduled for June, India will be hoping for a quick recovery for their key players.
Despite the injury blows, India remains in a strong position to clinch the series victory against England. Leading 3-1 after a comeback from their opening Test defeat, India will look to capitalize on their strong batting performance and bowling attack depth to seal the series win in Dharamsala.
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