Rohit Sharma to play Vijay Hazare as preparation for Windies ODI series

In what will be a big boost for Mumbai, India limited-overs vice-captain and star opener Rohit Sharma has made himself available for the Vijay Hazare Trophy knockouts.

Yes, he will…we’ll pick the team on October 10, chief Mumbai selector and former Indian international, Ajit Agarkar told the Times of India on Monday.

“Rohit will play for us in one or two games. The team will be led by Shreyas Iyer, who captained Mumbai in their last two games in the league stage,” another top Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) official added.

The 31-year-old led India to a record seventh Asia Cup title win in Dubai but is not part of the Indian Test team that will face West Indies in the final test on October 12. He was in top form throughout the tournament and amassed 317 runs in five matches.

“It’s good to have a high-class international player like Rohit. He’s an ODI specialist and will make a huge difference to the team,” Mumbai coach Vinayak Samant was quoted as saying by the national daily.

Also Read: Syed Kirmani blasts the MSK Prasad-led selection committee for being low on experience

Meanwhile, Mumbai plays their quarter-final match against Bihar on October 14 and a win against the Eastern side – who made a successful return into the domestic circuit after an 18-year exile – will put them in the semi-finals scheduled to be played October 17. The final will be played two days later.

A match or two in the domestic competition will certainly serve well for the dashing opener, who is expected to open the Indian batting alongside Shikhar Dhawan when the home team play West Indies in a five-match ODI series later this month. The first ODI will be played on October 21 in Guwahati, Assam.

Dhawan is also expected to play in the quarter-final with his state led by Gautam Gambhir has also progressed to the next round.

Among others, former India captain and wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni may also be seen in the quarter-finals with Jharkhand also progressing ahead.

Image Source: Zee News