The Indian team has been taken aback by a wave of injuries, resulting in the absence of key players such as Mohammed Shami, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya from significant matches.
The India vs. Afghanistan T20 series team was declared by the BCCI on Sunday. While it may appear that the selection committee is giving the younger players more opportunities, they really didn’t have much of a choice. The team appears to have the ideal combination of young and seasoned players. The Indian team has been rocked by a wave of injuries that have left key players like Mohammed Shami, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya sidelined during pivotal games, raising questions about their ability to play in the T20 World Cup and Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024.
Hardik Pandya and Mohammed Shami were instrumental in India’s fantastic ICC World Cup 2023 campaign. Hardik Pandya gave the club a dependable all-rounder option, while Shami’s pace wrecked even the greatest hitters. Both players missed the South Africa series as they healed from injuries sustained during the ICC World Cup.
The National Cricket Academy (NCA) has sources that indicate Mohammed Shami’s health is not good, while Hardik Pandya is progressing well and could soon be fully recovered from his injury. “Shami needs to show his fitness at NCA; he hasn’t even begun bowling yet. He appears questionable for the opening two Test matches against England, according to sources cited by news outlet The Indian Express on Monday.
Suryakumar Yadav to skip the IPL 2024?
During the T20 series, Suryakumar Yadav demonstrated excellent leadership qualities against Australia and South Africa. The hitter, who is vital to the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, will probably miss a few games this season in the local league. After receiving a diagnosis of sports hernia, Suryakumar Yadav is scheduled to undergo surgery in Munich, Germany.
“SKY was diagnosed with a sports hernia lately. At Bengaluru’s National Cricket Academy, he is now recovering. He is scheduled to travel to Munich, Germany, in two to three days for surgery. It implies that he most likely won’t be participating for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy this season and will probably miss the Mumbai Indians’ opening IPL games,” BCCI sources were cited by news outlet Times of India (TOI).
Surya has ample time to recuperate ahead of the T20 World Cup in June. According to the sources, “He is essential to India’s chances in the T20 World Cup.”
Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma will make their comebacks in the India versus Afghanistan series. Although the pair haven’t played Twenty20 cricket since the T20 World Cup 2022 semifinal, their involvement in the Afghanistan series gives their supporters hope until the T20 World Cup 2024.
