India have suffered a big blow as the trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane have been ruled out of the second Test of the series against New Zealand, the host broadcaster Star Sports said on its pre-match show.
Rahane suffered a hamstring strain on the final day of the first Test while Ishant dislocated his left little finger on the same day. Jadeja injured his right forearm and suffered swelling on the injured spot to be ruled out of the second Test of the series.
The injury to Rahane would come in handy for the team management as now they don’t have to deal with the selection conundrum of who will be replaced for Virat Kohli.
Ishant Sharma was looking short of rhythm and India’s bowling coach Paras Mhambrey conceded that he would take two Tests to regain his bowling rhythm. However, this latest injury setback will further delay his return to the best rhythm and it’s not a good sign for India going ahead towards the tour of South Africa.
Out of the three, India would miss Jadeja the most as his improved batting in the last few years along with ever so accurate bowling on pitches supportive of spinners have been the base of their dominance at home.
There is a spell of bad news from the visitors’ camp as well with former New Zealand player and now a commentator with Star Sports in Mumbai suggested flaring up of Kane Williamson’s elbow injury. If indeed it turns out to be true, the Blackcaps will be without their best batsman and captain in what seems to be a series decider at Wankhede Stadium.
Due to persistent rain in the city, the toss has been delayed in the second Test and it’s highly unlikely that there will be any play in the first session of the game. The umpires have scheduled a pitch inspection at 10:30 AM when the course of action will be decided.