Team India’s injury woes deepened on Saturday ahead of their mega ODI World Cup clash against New Zealand, with flamboyant batter Suryakumar Yadav getting hit on the right wrist during a net session. Yadav was facing throw-down specialist Raghu Raghavendra when he was hit on the wrist. He received treatment and walked out with a strapping on his right wrist. However, he did not come out to bat again.
The injury could dent Yadav’s chances of making his World Cup debut, as he was the frontrunner to replace Hardik Pandya in the XI for Sunday’s clash in Dharamshala. Pandya sustained an injury to his left ankle while fielding during India’s match against Bangladesh.
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“The all-rounder was taken for scans and is advised rest. He will be under the constant supervision of the BCCI Medical Team. He will not be taking the flight to Dharamsala with the team on 20th October and will now join the team directly in Lucknow where India play England,” the BCCI said in a statement.
“Madhumakhi” bites Ishan Kishan in the nets. Leaves practice area rubbing back of his head
— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) October 21, 2023
India will also miss the services of wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan in the New Zealand clash, after he was bitten on the head by a honeybee during the net session. “Surya getting hit was not the only blow for India in the training session on the eve of the NZ clash, as wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan also got bit on the head by a honeybee,” a report in Sportstar said.
Well, turning out to be a painful net session for India. After honeybee bit Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav is hit on his right wrist. Walks out of the nets in pain. Receiving treatment right now.
— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) October 21, 2023
The injuries to Yadav and Kishan have left Team India in a dilemma ahead of the crucial clash against New Zealand. It remains to be seen who will replace Pandya and Kishan in the XI. Team India head coach Rahul Dravid said that it was nice to have Kishan in the squad, but also praised Yadav’s recent form.
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“I mean, it is nice to have Ishan. And like you said, rightly, he’s been playing well. He’s a left-hander. But again, Surya has also come into some great form against Australia, as we saw. Played a couple of fantastic innings. Absolutely fantastic player against spin, as we know. Left arm spin or off spin, or any kind of spin, for that matter,” Rahul Dravid said in a pre-match press conference on Saturday.
India are currently second in the ODI World Cup points table, behind New Zealand. A win in Sunday’s clash will help them solidify their position in the top two and take a big step towards the semi-finals.
