Sri Lanka Vs India 2017 - Video: Rohit Sharma Sweats It Out In The Nets 1
India's Rohit Sharma celebrates after scoring a half-century (50 runs) during the third day of the second Test cricket match between India and New Zealand at The Eden Gardens Cricket Stadium in Kolkata on October 2, 2016. ----IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE----- / GETTYOUT / AFP / Dibyangshu SARKAR (Photo credit should read DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images)

As India prepare to take on Sri Lanka in their own backyard, questions remain over the Indian team combination for the first game at Galle. The Virat Kohli led side opted for a 6-5 / 7-4 combination at home in the previous home season and that varies mainly depending on the nature of the surface laid out. With the nature of the deck yet unknown on the eve of the game at Galle, the combination is still not certain about the team.

 

One person, who knows a thing or two about playing Tests in Sri Lanka, is India’s middle order batsman, Rohit Sharma. Sharma last played a Test at Indore against New Zealand in October and did exceptionally well in that series, scoring three half centuries in as many games. A serious thigh injury though, cut short his home season as he couldn’t feature against England or Australia.

 

Now that he is back in the scheme of things, it will be interesting to see where Sharma fits. If India opts for a 7-4 combination, then he will bat at number 6, his usual slot in the side. However, things will get a little tricky if India goes for 6-5, with three spinners.

 

In such a scenario, a call would have to be made between Abhinav Mukund and Rohit Sharma. Only one of the two batsmen will make the cut then in such a tight scenario. However, given the recent form of Rohit and his performance in the previous series, Sharma should be a starter in the playing XI by all means.

 

Below, is a video of Sharma sweating it out in the nets on the eve of the game.

Krishna Chopra

A cricket enthusiast who has the passion to write for the sport. An ardent fan of the Indian Cricket Team. Strongly believe in following your passion and living in the present.