Ravichandran Ashwin may not be in the scheme of things apart from turning tracks but he is still playing an important role. Ahead of the IND vs BAN Cricket World Cup clash in Pune on Thursday. And in a surprise turn of events, Rohit Sharma rolled up his sleeves to bowl some off-spin with Ashwin guiding him. Bangladesh have four left-handers in the line-up and that could prompt some off-spin attack. Whether Ashwin plays in India vs Bangladesh game remains a question.
Despite a hat-trick to his name in IPL, Rohit Sharma hasn’t bowled since suffering a shoulder injury. The last time he bowled in an ODI was back in 2016 against Australia in Perth.
In Tests, it was relatively recently when he rolled up his sleeves. Against England in Chennai Test in 2021, Rohit Sharma bowled two overs. In T20Is, it was back in 2012 when he bowled.
On Tuesday though, he played the role of a net bowler to Shubman Gill, who is still recovering from dengue fever.
Highlights of India practice
- After arriving in Pune on Sunday, Team India had an off day on Monday.
- But all the big guns hit the nets at the MCA Stadium in Pune under lights.
- Before the practice session, Rohit Sharma had a look at the Pune pitch and had a long chat with Rahul Dravid before proceeding to the nets.
- Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, and Mohammed Siraj all had short sessions.
- Among the batters, KL Rahul had a recovery session with the strength and conditioning coach.
- Virat Kohli played some delightful shots and faced left-arm spinners the most to prepare for Shakib Al Hasan threat.
- Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill also took on left-arm spinners and net bowlers before moving to throwdown specialists.
- Hardik Pandya was also among the players who had a complete session.
