![Rohit Sharma with Gautam Gambhir[Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1781630500478_GautamGambhirRohitSharma.jpg?type=hq)
Rohit Sharma with Gautam Gambhir[Source: AFP]
Rohit Sharma’s participation in the second ODI against Afghanistan looked doubtful after he suffered yet another injury scare in the series opener. However, on the eve of the match, it looks like the opener could be fit to play after the BCCI revealed the latest on the player.
On his return to the India blues for the first time since January, Rohit Sharma had scored a run-a-ball 16 in the first ODI at Dharamsala, scoring two fours and a six before getting run out dramatically. He also had his share of physical struggles during his short stay on the crease, raising concerns over his future in the series.
Rohit Sharma in a new role vs Afghanistan?
On the eve of the match at the Ekana Stadium on June 17, the BCCI social media handles posted a video from the training sessions at the venue. Interestingly, Rohit Sharma was not batting in the nets, but was handed a ball alongside the fellow opening batter, Yashasvi Jaiswal.
The opening batters were seen honing their spin bowling skills, which could just be a warm-up drill, but the BCCI captioned it saying, “A new spin duo in town,” as they tagged the batters in the post.
Also Read: 3 Things Afghanistan Must Do Right To Beat India In Lucknow
Watch the video below:
When was the last time Rohit Sharma bowled in ODIs?
The veteran batter, Rohit Sharma, who has had a prolific batting career, racking up 11593 runs in 283 ODIs, has been one of the best white-ball batters that India has ever seen. But, interestingly, early on in his career, he was also a handy off-spin option for his captain.
In 283 ODIs, he has bowled in 40 innings, picking 9 wickets in over 101 overs bowled in his career. In the second half of his career, he stopped bowling after a finger injury.
He also has a World Cup wicket to his name, when he bowled 5 balls against the Netherlands in the World Cup 2023. However, the last time he bowled in an ODI was back in August 2024 — almost two years ago — when he rolled his arms for two overs in Colombo, during the second ODI of the series against Sri Lanka. He finished with 0/11 in 2 overs of the match.
On the other hand, fellow Mumbaikar Yashasvi Jaiswal has never bowled in his 4-match ODI career. In Tests, he has bowled three overs of his leg spin alongside one over in T20Is. He is still in search of his first-ever wicket in international cricket.
After the recent training sessions, it will be interesting to see whether either of the two bowls in the match.
India look to continue win streak vs Afghanistan
In their head-to-head history in international cricket, since India and Afghanistan first collided in 2010, India have remained unbeaten against the Asian opponent.
During this time, India have beaten Afghanistan in two Tests, five ODIs and nine T20I matches. This is the first time the teams are playing in a bilateral series, and India will be looking forward to sealing the series on Wednesday.
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