Adding to India’s injury woes, Surya Kumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan, the only two other batsmen in the Indian lineup, had to withdraw from Saturday’s practice session due to health concerns.
In preparation for their crucial face-off against New Zealand, India finds themselves grappling with a string of injury setbacks. The HPCA stadium in Dharamshala is set to host the showdown between India and the last edition’s runners-up, New Zealand.
Hardik Pandya, the invaluable pace bowling all-rounder, had already put the Indian team management on high alert when he suffered an ankle injury during his first over against Bangladesh.
The burden fell on Virat Kohli, who took up the bowling mantle for the remaining three deliveries of Pandya’s over. As a result, Pandya was excluded from the New Zealand ODI and is currently under the careful observation of the BCCI medical team at the National Cricket Academy.
Adding to India’s injury woes, Surya Kumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan, the only two other batsmen in the Indian lineup, had to withdraw from Saturday’s practice session due to health concerns. Surya Kumar Yadav, who was expected to step into Pandya’s shoes for the match against New Zealand, sustained a wrist injury during a throwdown session with Raghvendra. Thankfully, an ice pack brought some relief, and no precautionary X-ray was deemed necessary.
Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan’s early exit from the practice session had a rather peculiar reason—he was reportedly bitten by a honeybee.
As the match against New Zealand approaches, the Indian team management is contemplating a lineup that leans towards seven batsmen and four bowlers, with Ravindra Jadeja as the designated all-rounder and Shardul Thakur offering some batting support.
Coach Rahul Dravid hinted that Surya Kumar Yadav might be given the nod ahead of the left-handed Ishan Kishan. Pacer Mohammed Shami is also in contention to make his tournament debut in today’s match. The Indian cricket fans are holding their breath, hoping that their team can overcome these adversities and emerge victorious.