Team India skipper Rohit Sharma expressed his disappointment after star batsman Suryakumar Yadav was ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. Suryakumar injured his hand while fielding during the third T20I against West Indies. Later, it was revealed that he suffered a hairline fracture and will be out of action for a few weeks.

India’s new all-format captain Rohit reckoned that it was a huge setback for the side as Surya was in exceptional run-scoring form in the recently concluded T20 series. However, Rohit pointed out that it could present an opportunity for some other player in the squad.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference about the same, the 35-year old said, “Surya’s injury obviously is a big setback. He was in great form as you saw in the last series; he was the Man of the Series. But there are so many players who are waiting to get an opportunity. I’ll be more than happy for them to come in and fill in.”

The explosive opener especially felt bad for Surya saying that he was in great touch and would have looked to continue his form in the games against Sri Lanka while mentioning that no one can control injuries.

“At the same time, I’m a little bit sad for Surya. He was in great form and I’m sure, he wanted to carry it further. But you can’t really help with injuries. It was a freak injury; he was standing at the slips, got hit on his thumb. Those things you can’t control. I wish him a speedy recovery and wish he returns soon,” he added.

The Sri Lanka series will be the first for Rohit as India’s captain in all three formats after he was named the new skipper of the Men in Blue for Test matches. BCCI and the team management were on a hunt for a new captain in the longest format of the game after former skipper Virat Kohli relinquished the position following a 2-1 loss to South Africa.