Mohali, December 11: India were on Friday dealt a blow ahead of the second Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka with paceman S Sreesanth and middle order batsman Rohit Sharma being ruled out of the match because of injuries.
While Sreesanth, who missed the first match in Nagpur, has still not recovered from viral infection, Rohit sustained a shoulder injury in the last game in Nagpur and will not be fit enough to take the field.
The injuries have prompted the team management to call in all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja as a back up.
“Sreesanth and Rohit will not play the match tomorrow. Sreesanth has not recovered from viral infection while Rohit has hurt his shoulder while diving in the last match in Nagpur,” Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said.
Rohit took part in the practice session at PCA stadium but Dhoni said the team did not want to take a chance since he was not “match fit”.
“He took part in the practice session but he is not match fit,” Dhoni explained.
Dhoni said the team management will take a final decision on the composition of the team on Saturday.
“We will decide on the playing eleven tomorrow. We will have another look at the conditions,” he said.
The Indians had a strenuous practice session this afternoon and lot of emphasis was laid on fielding following their disappointing display in the 29-run loss in Nagpur.
—Agencies