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Rohit Sharma for Mumbai - (Source: AFP)
In the early hours of Saturday, the MCA confirmed that India star batter and former captain Rohit Sharma will be a part of Mumbai's squad for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 tournament. The premier fifty-over event will kickstart on Wednesday, December 24.
Mumbai will kickstart its campaign against Sikkim in Jaipur, but to the surprise of many, the hitman will not be a part of the first two games. A report from Hindustan Times stated that Rohit Sharma, alongside Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube, will skip the first two games.
MCA selector explains Rohit Sharma's absence
The report led to speculation on social media regarding the possible reason. However, in the latest events, the report added that Mumbai chief selector Sanjay Patil stated that the board has decided to let a young Mumbai squad take the field in the first two games - Sikkim on December 24 and
“Rohit, Jaiswal, Dube and even Rahane will not be a part of the Mumbai squad for at least the first two matches as the selection panel is going ahead with a young squad,” Mumbai chief selector Sanjay Patil told news agency PTI.
Yashasvi Jaiswal too misses out due to health concerns
Not just Rohit, Rahane, and Dube, but Yashasvi Jaiswal is also expected to miss the first two games, because of his recent health scare. Jaiswal was hospitalised due to acute gastroenteritis.
“Yashasvi is undergoing treatment for a stomach issue, and he should be alright soon. We thought that the youngsters should be given a chance. But whenever they are available, they will be accommodated. For the first two matches, we are experimenting with youngsters,” he added.
Coming back to Rohit Sharma, the hitman is expected to play two games for Mumbai before he joins the Indian team in mid-January to play ODI series agaisnt New Zealand at home.
