Team India have been hit by a string of injuries ahead of the second and final Test against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
As many as three Indian stars will be unavailable for the Mumbai Test. Pacer Ishant Sharma, regular vice-captain and stand-in captain for the series opener Ajinkya Rahane and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, have all been ruled out due to their respective injuries.
As the toss was delayed due to a wet outfield at Wankhede Stadium, the official Twitter handle of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared the update regarding the trio getting ruled of the Test.
In the official statement, it was revealed that fast bowler Ishant will not be available after he dislocated his finger during the first Test in Kanpur. Similarly, Jadeja had suffered a forearm injury in the opening match, hence he will not be part of the final playing XI. When it comes to Rahane, the BCCI revealed that the Mumbaikar had sustained a minor left hamstring strain and due to which he has been ruled out as well.
The absence of Rahane and Jadeja could open doors to a debut for KS Bharat or Suryakumar Yadav. At the same time, Mohammed Siraj is expected to fill in for Ishant.
“Fast bowler Ishant Sharma dislocated his left little finger during the final day of the 1st Test match in Kanpur. He is thus ruled out of the 2nd Test in Mumbai. The BCCI Medical team will continue to monitor his progress,” said BCCI in an official statement.
“All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja suffered a right forearm injury during the 1st Test match in Kanpur. After undergoing scans, he was diagnosed with a swelling on his forearm. He has been advised rest and is thus ruled out of the 2nd Test in Mumbai.”
“Ajinkya Rahane sustained a minor left hamstring strain while fielding on the final day of the 1st Test match in Kanpur. Since he has not recovered completely, he has been ruled out of the 2nd Test in Mumbai. His progress will be closely monitored by the BCCI Medical team,” the statement added.
