Rohit, Saini ruled out of second Bangladesh Test

Rohit Sharma and Navdeep Saini have been ruled out of the second and final Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka, starting on Thursday (December 22), the BCCI confirmed on Tuesday (December 20).

The Indian captain missed the first Test after injuring his thumb during the ODI series and it was KL Rahul who led India to a thumping 188-run victory. The 35-year-old even missed the third ODI and travelled back to Mumbai for treatment.

“The Medical Team is of the opinion that the injury needs some more time to heal completely before the Indian captain can bat and field with full intensity. He will continue his rehab and will not be available for the second and final Test against Bangladesh,” stated the BCCI release. 

Since taking over as the Test captain, Rohit has led India just twice - both against Sri Lanka in March this year. Rohit, however, is expected to be available for the white-ball series (three ODIs and as many T20Is) against Sri Lanka next month. 

Abhimanyu Easwaran, who is coming off the back of 141 and 157 against Bangladesh A, was named as Rohit's replacement for the opening encounter and will stay with the Indian set-up for the second Test as well.

In Rohit’s absence, Shubman Gill opened the innings alongside KL Rahul and scored a stunning century in the second innings.

Meanwhile, Saini didn’t feature in the opening Test and has now been ruled out of the second Test owing to an abdominal muscle strain. The fast bowler will now report to the NCA for further management of his injury.