India-WI ODIs: Shardul Thakur to replace injured Bhuvneshwar Kumar
India's senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar's tryst with injuries have continued. The right-arm pacer has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against West Indies, starting December 15. The BCCI confirmed Bhuvi is set to be replaced by Shardul Thakur. The first ODI is set to be played in Chennai. Here are all the details.
Bhuvi's hernia symptoms have resurfaced
"Bhuvneshwar complained of pain in his right groin after the final T20I in Mumbai on Wednesday. He underwent an ultrasound scan conducted by a specialist and the BCCI medical team found that his sportsman's hernia symptoms have resurfaced. A specialist opinion will now be sought, and his management plan will be decided accordingly," a statement released by the BCCI read.
Injuries stalling Bhuvi's cricket career of late
Bhuvi has been struggling with injuries since the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018. He missed games last year due to a back injury. The pacer also struggled in India's high-profile tour of England missing the T20Is and ODIs before eventually returning home midway during the Test series. This was after the back injury resurfaced. He also suffered from hamstring injuries during 2019 World Cup.
Bhuvi featured in the T20Is against West Indies
The star bowler had missed the home series against South Africa and Bangladesh. He returned to the T20Is against West Indies and has reportedly picked up another hamstring issue during India's 2-1 win earlier this week. Notably, he featured in all three T20Is. However, he didn't look at his best and leaked runs aplenty. He finished with just two scalps from three matches.
Shardul handed a call-up by the BCCI
Meanwhile, Mumbai's Shardul, who was recently seen in the Ranji Trophy match against Baroda, was handed a call. He hasn't played for India since the Asia Cup in 2018. With right-arm pacer Navdeep Saini reportedly not being ready after return from injury, Team India decided to hand a call-up to Shardul. Mohammed Shami and Deepak Chahar are set to lead India's new-ball attack.
