After registering a thumping win over New Zealand in the first warm-up game on Sunday (May 28), Team India has received another huge boost as their star opener Rohit Sharma is all set to join the team ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. The 30-year old, who recently led Mumbai Indians to a record third Indians Premier League title, delayed his departure to England to attend his cousin’s wedding but is now all geared up to don the Blue jersey for the country.
The India star will be returning to the national team after a long gap of almost 6 months. He had been on the sidelines for almost five months after suffering a thigh injury during the ODI series against New Zealand in October last year. He also underwent a surgery in London on his right upper quadriceps tendon before making his much-anticipated return to the cricket field in the Indian Premier League where he became the first captain to lead a side to three IPL titles.
He will be desperate to play for the Men in Blue once again and has left India to join the team in London. He confirmed the news on his social media account on Sunday (May 28). Posting a picture of himself, Rohit on his Instagram account wrote, “See u soon London ✌?✈️
Meanwhile, India warmed up ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy in style as the reigning Champions Trophy won their first warm-up match against New Zealand by 45 runs (D/L method).
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson’s decision to bat first was proved wrong by the Indian bowlers as they bowled the Black Caps out for a paltry 189 in the 39th over. Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar took three wickets apiece while Ravindra Jadeja picked a couple of wickets.
In reply, India lost Ajinkya Rahane cheaply but Shikhar Dhawan and captain Virat Kohli steadied the ship with a 68-run partnership before the former was dismissed by James Neesham for 40. India were 129 for 3 when the rain arrived and ended the game. Kohli top-scored for the team with a 55-ball 52 runs knock.
India’s next and final warm-up game is against Bangladesh on May 30 before they begin their title defence against Pakistan on June 4.