Fresh Bouts of Injury for Team India; Ishan Kishan Injures Toe
Team India is depleted from concern regarding a few key players’ health. As Bumrah is set to return against Namibia, now Ishan Kishan has suffered an injury during practice. In a recent tweet by Times of India’s Sahil Malhotra, it was notified that Ishan Kishan injured his left toe. The situation occurred after he was hit by a Jasprit Bumrah yorker in Delhi while practising for an upcoming match. There is yet to be any clarification on the batters’ position on the upcoming match, however this injury might prove to be a bigger setback for the men in blue. Furthermore, Abhishek Sharma’s appearance is still doubtful even after his discharge from hospital. Adding to concern, Bumrah is also returning from an illness. Meanwhile, Washington Sundar is still recovering from a month-old side strain. These issues are a real threat to the team’s setup. Ishan Kishan has been in great form since returning to the Indian team. He is scoring many runs very quickly. In the last series against New Zealand, he made 76 and 103. He also scored a fifty in the T20 World Cup practice match against South Africa.
‘Very Disappointing’; Rashid Rues over Defeat Against SA
Afghanistan’s heartbreaking loss followed Rashid Khan blaming Fazalhaq Farooqi for defeat against Africa. Afghanistan ensured many openings to close the match however, they eventually went down to two Super Overs. South Africa held their nerve to win in the second Super Over. Keshav Maharaj dismissed Rahmanullah Gurbaz on the final ball with five runs still needed. It was a soul-crushing defeat for Afghanistan. Afterward, Rashid Khan rued his team’s missed chances. He admitted they should have played smarter in the middle overs. He even suggested that a dive from Farooqi could have finished the game during regulation time. Rashid during the post-match presentation stated, “We had our opportunities. In the last Super Over as well, one ball and five runs can go either way. We could’ve been smarter. One dive, one ball could’ve finished it.” “We worked hard for the last one-and-a-half years for this game to go to the next round. Very disappointing. Any time you’re representing your country, it’s a proud moment. I’ll try my best to keep the boys as upbeat as possible,” Despite the loss, Rashid praised his team’s “lion-hearted” effort. He gave special credit to Rahmanullah Gurbaz for fighting with the bat until the very last moment. He further added, “The boys did an amazing job, especially with the way they started with the bat. To restrict them to under 190 was amazing. So unlucky to be on the losing side after giving everything on the ground. This wicket is good — I’ve played a lot on it during the IPL.” “The discussion within the team was that yes, they had a good start, but we needed to restrict them in the last 10 overs. It was an amazing innings from Rahmanullah, that’s what he’s famous for. Losing quick wickets in the powerplay put him under pressure, but overall he played brilliantly,” he added. Afghanistan needed 13 runs from the final over with only one wicket left. Noor Ahmad survived the first ball thanks to a Kagiso Rabada no-ball. He then smashed a six, eventually leaving Afghanistan needing just two runs from the final three deliveries. The game turned when Fazalhaq Farooqi was run out on the fourth ball. He failed to dive while attempting a second run, ending the innings in a tie. South Africa ultimately won in a second Super Over by defending 23 runs. Despite the win, South Africa’s path to the Super 8s is uncertain. They now rely on other results to avoid a group-stage exit.
‘It’s Just a Normal Game’; Usman Tariq Asserts Before India Pakistan Match
Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq recently asserted that India will be under pressure during the on-going T20 World Cup. In recent games many have questioned Tariq’s unique way of bowling. He pauses for a long time before the delivery resembling Lasith Malinga. The spinner was reported twice for his bowling with a bent elbow. However, ICC gave him a green signal to bowl. While talking about Pakistan’s fixture against India on 15th February, the off-spinner downplayed the event and called on the team for simple plans. He stated, “I think the record that we note down, I guess we should note it down from where we started losing. If you look at it from the beginning, then we have a good record from the beginning. So we should count also that. Because those are also the title matches.” “Apart from that, the match that is coming next, it’s like, obviously, all of us are focusing on one thing, that any game comes to us, any game to play, we have to give our best.” “In this way, we have to win this World Cup. And just make it memorable for everyone. So it’s just a normal game for me, for the team. Because, when you’re just getting that hype, or that kind of thing on your mind, obviously, it’s better to keep it simple. And just stick to the plans, that’s it.” He also highlighted the talk among Indian fans, he stated, “I guess, there will be extra pressure on them. Because, the way they’re discussing these things, I think, they’re just objecting to that. “It shows that there will be extra pressure on them. But, I don’t know about it. I’m really focusing on my games. I don’t have any idea what’s going around in the media and stuff. It’s a simple thing that I’m just focusing on my cricket and practice,” Pakistan secured two consecutive wins. Usman played his maiden match against the USA and took three wickets. Before their match against India the squad will rely on four spinners and all-rounder Saim Ayub.
Abhishek Sharma Might Miss India’s Match Against Namibia
India opener Abhishek Sharma has been hospitalised with a stomach infection. He is doubtful for the next T20 World Cup match against Namibia in New Delhi. He was unwell even before the game against the USA. His condition worsened after he played the tournament opener on 7th February. There is no official statement yet from the team management. However, it is learnt that he is battling an infection. “Abhi still has a few issues with his tummy,” assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said on Tuesday. “We are hopeful that he’ll be available for the game in two days’ time.” Abhishek was dismissed for a golden duck in the opener. He did not return to the field after that. He was not seen in the dugout or dressing room either. Sanju Samson fielded for the entire innings. Fielding coach T Dilip had to wear the bib and carry drinks along with Kuldeep Yadav. Washington Sundar had not yet joined the squad. Jasprit Bumrah was also unwell, though he briefly appeared during a drinks break. Abhishek did not come out for the post-match handshakes. He travelled with the team to Delhi. But his health deteriorated over the last 24 hours. He was seen outside head coach Gautam Gambhir’s residence on 8th February. Even then, he did not look fully fit. When Abhishek got out in the previous match, Gambhir appeared concerned. “Aaram se, jaldi khaa liyo,” the coach told him. “Take it easy. Eat early.” In Abhishek’s absence, Sanju Samson opened the nets session. He looked uncomfortable against Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh. He had a scratchy outing and later received treatment on his left arm. “We’re waiting on Abhi’s fitness more than anything,” ten Doeschate said. “That will open up a few different combinations.” India are expected to take a final call after Wednesday’s training session and the pre-match press conference.
