The Indian team management has decided not to risk injured opener Rohit Sharma for the do-or-die tri-series game against England on January 30 and the final, in case India makes it.
Rohit suffered a hamstring injury during the opening encounter against Australia, when he scored a splendid 138.
"Chances of Rohit playing in the tri-series, even if India reaches final, is next to nil. He is recovering, but the Indian team management does not want to risk a key player with the World Cup starting in less than three weeks," a source close to the team management said.
"The physio said after having a look at the MRI reports that Rohit needed a week's rest and after that could start training.
"With Shikhar Dhawan completely out of form they do not want to risk Rohit in this tournament as they have a World Cup to play. The February 8 and 10 warm-up games against Australia and Afghanistan will serve as Rohit's match-fitness test," the source added.
Image: Rohit Sharma
Photograph: Scott Barbour/Getty Images
