Indian camp hit by injury scares ahead of Melbourne Test

In a training session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma sustained a minor injury to his left knee. Reports suggest he was hit while batting in the nets and was later seen with an ice pack around the affected area. However, Rohit was reportedly moving freely after applying the ice pack, alleviating concerns about his fitness for the upcoming Test.  

Injury concerns did not end with Rohit. Pacer Akash Deep suffered a bruise on his hand after being struck while batting during nets on Friday December 22. A day earlier, KL Rahul was also hit on his hand during a practice session and required medical attention. These incidents have raised questions about the challenging practice conditions on the MCG’s training pitches.  

Addressing the media after the training session, Akash Deep dismissed any major concerns. "The practice pitch is probably meant for white-ball cricket; the ball kept low at times," he explained. "As for these minor injuries, these things happen during training. There’s no major concern. I am fine," he added.   

Despite Akash Deep’s reassurances, there has been no official communication from the BCCI or Indian team management regarding the injuries, including updates on KL Rahul’s condition.  

India have already had to adjust their playing XI due to injuries earlier in the series. Shubman Gill missed the first Test in Perth due to an injury sustained in training, while Rahul recovered just in time to participate in the match.  

With the series currently tied at 1-1, India will hope that these recent injuries remain minor setbacks, especially with Rohit, Rahul, and Akash Deep expected to feature in the first-choice XI for the fourth Test in Melbourne, starting December 26.