Sunrisers Hyderabad, who have lost their last two matches on the trot in the ongoing IPL, face Mumbai Indians next but would miss the services of pace spearhead Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Acquiring a comfortable 4th spot in the points table, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s chances of going further up on Tuesday took a big blow as vice-captain Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been ruled out of the match against Mumbai Indians due to back injury.
SRH skipper Kane Williamson has revealed that the pace bowler did not travel with the team to Mumbai.
Bhuvi is down due to a back niggle and has hence been advised rest. “Bhuvi did not travel with the team and is not playing the next match. Shikhar we are hoping will be fine for tomorrow,” Sunrisers captain Williamson told the reporters.
The SRH franchise has had to deal with the absence of key players recently. Left-handed opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan had also suffered a hit in the elbow against Kings XI Punjab and couldn’t feature in the Chennai Super Kings game. Williamson also confirmed that all-rounder Yusuf Pathan is likely to feature against Mumbai after suffering from cramps during the CSK game previously. “I am not 100 percent sure on how Yusuf is. I know he did have some cramps but hopefully, he will be ok and come tomorrow night,” added Williamson.
Bhuvi has been one Sunrisers’ major contributors so far in the tournament. In four games, the 28-year-old has picked up six wickets at an average of 17.16 and an impressive economy of 6.86.
Who will replace Bhuvneshwar Kumar?
Interestingly, Bhuvi did not play the first leg of the game against Mumbai itself and now with a niggling back injury, has been advised rest. Sandeep Sharma is expected to replace him who did so well in his last game and had to, unfortunately, sit out as the gun bowler was fit.
