Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma. Image Credits: AFP

Rohit Sharma is optimistic he will be fit for the fourth T20I on Saturday, 6th August, despite suffering a back spasm in India’s seven-wicket victory over West Indies in the 3rd T20I.

The elegant opener retired hurt on 11 in the second over of the Indian innings after experiencing discomfort. In his attempt to swing towards the on-side, Rohit Sharma hurt his lower back, which cut his innings short. But India went on to win the game, thanks to Suryakumar Yadav’s attacking 76 at the top and Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 33 in the end.

Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma Photo Credit: (BCCI)

Rohit Sharma Should Prioritize His Fitness Even If It Means Resting For The Next 2 T20Is: Danish Kaneria

Rohit Sharma may return for the next 20-over game in Lauderhill as his side looks to gain an unassailable 3-1 lead, but former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria believes the Indian skipper should take precautions to avoid aggravating the muscle twitch.

“When Rohit Sharma pulled the delivery for a boundary and the way he reacted, as a player, I knew he was in a lot of pain. He should prioritize his fitness and even if it means he needs to rest for the next two games, then it doesn’t matter. India need Rohit Sharma for the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup. So even if he rests, there are ample match-winners and captaincy options like Shreyas, Sanju Samson or even Rishabh Pant,” said Kaneria on his YouTube channel.

Danish Kaneria (Image credit: Twitter)
Danish Kaneria (Image credit: Twitter)

“It is okay at the moment,” Rohit said after the game. “We’ve got a few days between (now and) the next game, so hopefully I should be okay.”

While Rohit Sharma made an early exit, Suryakumar Yadav sprayed four sixes and eight boundaries around Warner Park, dominating an 86-run stand with Shreyas Iyer, who hit 24. An unbeaten 33 from Rishabh Pant then restored India’s lead in the five-game series.

The India skipper had hit a six and a four off Alzarri Joseph in the second over before pulling a muscle. Rohit Sharma looked in pain as he visibly struggled with his back before Indian physio Kamlesh Jain came running onto the ground.

Later, the BCCI confirmed that Rohit Sharma had a back spasm and the medical team was monitoring the situation.

After the game, Rohit Sharma had also given a positive update on his fitness, saying that he was hopeful of recovering in time for the upcoming game. Rohit Sharma is reportedly set to feature in the upcoming fourth T20I against West Indies on Saturday (August 6).

Danish Kaneria Praised Incredibly Classical Player Suryakumar Yadav For His Wristwork

Danish Kaneria heaped praise on Suryakuar Yadav’s stroke-play and the Indian’s ability to flick the ball with efficient wristwork. He has even moved up three spots to within two rating points of top-ranked Babar Azam in the T20I men’s player rankings.

“We all know what an incredibly classical player Suryakumar Yadav is. But in modern-day cricket, I don’t think there’s anyone who plays the flick shot as well as him. The way he uses his wrists over the top in the flick, is absolutely magnificent,” said Kaneria.

Suryakumar Yadav- Lindsey Parnaby / AFP
Suryakumar Yadav- Lindsey Parnaby / AFP

The opener Suryakumar Yadav’s 44-ball 76 on a tricky surface ensured India did not have to break too much sweat in their chase. Suryakumar Yadav’s scintillating 76-run knock was complemented by Rishabh Pant’s mature unbeaten 33 as India beat West Indies by 7 wickets in the 3rd T20I to go 2-1 in the 5-match series. Chasing 165 for victory, India crossed the finish line with 6 balls to spare.