Worries continue to compound for Team India as another pacer – Deepak Chahar – is down with injury.
The BCCI on Saturday announced that Chahar, who recently featured in the three T20Is against South Africa, has been ruled out of the ongoing ODI series against the same opposition, and has been replaced by all-rounder Washington Sundar.
Chahar’s non-selection from the first ODI a couple of days ago in Lucknow was a talking point, more so given he’s part of the reserves for the T20 World Cup squad and so fans felt Chahar needed as much game time as possible. India went with Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj and Avesh Khan as three pacers in Lucknow.
However, now the BCCI has revealed that Chahar has been down with back stiffness and won’t take any part in the remainder of the series. He has been told to touch down at the NCA for rehab and further fitness tests.
“The All-India Senior Selection Committee named Washington Sundar as replacement for Deepak Chahar for the remainder of the ODI series against South Africa. Mr. Chahar had a stiffness in his back after the third and final T20I against South Africa in Indore and did not feature in India’s Playing XI in the first ODI in Lucknow,” a released stateement from the board said.
“He will now head back to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and will be monitored by the Medical Team there.”
Chahar was set to leave for Australia after the conclusion of the ODIs against South Africa. However, now that could be delayed. India have already lost Jasprit Bumrah to a back injury, and 14 members of the squad flew a couple of days ago.
While Mohammed Shami is likely to replace Bumrah in the squad, Shami is also at the NCA for his rehab after testing negative for covid.
Chahar had already missed 6 months of action between February and August due to back injury, from which he recovered and played in Zimbabwe, Asia Cup and South Africa T20Is. His back injury flaring up, and injuries to some other players in recent years, has further raised questions on the NCA.
Chahar’s replacement in the squad, Washington Sundar, has also had some tough bouts with injuries and covid in the past 15 months, which also saw him not be up for contending for a spot in the T20 squad.
India’s ODI squad vs SA: Shikhar Dhawan (Captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), Rajat Patidar, Rahul Tripathi, Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper), Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar.
South Africa won the first ODI by 9 runs in Lucknow. The second ODI will be played in Ranchi on October 9, and the final ODI of the series in New Delhi on October 11.
