The Indian cricket team bound for the Asian Games in Hangzhou has been hit by a significant setback as fast bowler Shivam Mavi sustained an injury recently, casting doubt on his participation in the continental games. However, the exact nature and severity of his injury remain undisclosed.

Reports from The Indian Express indicate that the BCCI senior selection committee will soon announce Mavi’s replacement. While there was interest in selecting Yash Thakur, who was among the standby players, he has also suffered a back injury. Consequently, the selection committee is now considering Jammu’s Umran Malik as a potential replacement.

The Indian team, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, is scheduled to assemble at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for a two-week training camp before departing for Hangzhou, China. The second-string Indian team players will undergo training under the supervision of NCA chief VVS Laxman, who will also serve as the head coach.

ALSO READ: India’s Convincing Wins In Asia Cup 2023 Earn Praise From Gautam Gambhir

The coaching staff will include Sairaj Bahutule and Munish Bali, who will handle bowling and fielding coaching responsibilities, respectively. Cricket is making its return to the Asian Games, and the BCCI has named a ‘B Squad’ to compete as the main team focuses on preparations for the upcoming 50-over World Cup on home soil. Meanwhile, the first-string Indian women’s team will represent India in the Asian Games.

Former Indian all-rounder Hrishikesh Kanitkar will serve as the interim head coach of the Indian women’s team at the Asian Games. He previously led the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side during the Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa earlier this year. Rajib Dutta will take on the role of bowling coach, while Subhadeep Ghosh will be the fielding coach, rounding out the support staff accompanying Kanitakar to China.

ALSO READ: Fan Altercation Mars India vs Sri Lanka Clash As Passionate Fans Clash In Colombo

Cricket was included in the Asian Games in 2010 and 2014, but India did not field a team. In 2018, cricket was omitted in Jakarta, but this year, it is set to make a return in Hangzhou. The event was initially scheduled for the previous year but was postponed due to China’s stringent zero-Covid policy.