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Sharma in doubt for ODI decider with shoulder injury

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17th January, 2020
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Indian opener Rohit Sharma has joined concussed wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant being as in doubt for Sunday’s decider with Australia, after hurting his shoulder.

India face a nervous wait ahead of Sunday’s series decider against Australia with star opening batsman Rohit Sharma in doubt with a shoulder injury.

Already no certainty to have hard-hitting wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant available as he battles concussion, India will be sweating on Sharma’s recovery.

The 32-year-old hurt his left shoulder while diving to stop a ball late in the hosts’ 36-run win over Australia in Rajkot on Friday night.

He immediately grimaced in pain and appeared to be struggling as he walked outside of the boundary rope and off the field.

India are hopeful he will be fit to take his spot, but if he’s not, it would be a significant blow given he averages 59.68 against Australia with seven centuries.

KL Rahul would likely move back to open with Shikhar Dhawan, with the former more comfortable at the top even after he scored a quickfire 80 off 52 balls against Australia on Friday.

“I have always opened the batting so that’s position I am most comfortable with,” Rahul said.

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“I know how to build my innings there.

“But I get to learn so much about own self and about my batting, and batting as an art, when I get to bat at three, four or five.

“I am enjoying it and finding new ways to counter bowlers and new ways to handle situations.”

Rahul had batted at No.3 in the series-opening flogging in Mumbai, with much criticism over Kohli being dropped down to No.4.

India changed their order back in Friday night’s win, and it paid dividends with Kohli also among the runs with 78.

Meanwhile, Rahul could also be asked to keep the gloves if Pant doesn’t recover in time from a concussion.

The regular wicketkeeper was sent straight to Bangalore after copping a Pat Cummins ball to the head in the 10-wicket loss to Australia in Mumbai.

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India were hopeful he would be back for the decider, but he must first pass all concussion protocols before his return is approved.

© AAP

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