Team India has suffered a blow ahead of the first T20 International against New Zealand as opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has reportedly been ruled out of the entire series. After thrashing the Black Caps in the One Day International (ODI), Team India is all set to take the field for the three-match series against New Zealand on Friday. The series will be inaugurated at the JSCA International Stadium complex in Ranchi.
A BCCI source told PTI, “He has been ruled out of the series due to a wrist injury.”
Gaikwad, who played for Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy, will miss the T20I series due to a wrist injury. The Indian opener recently registered forgettable scores of 8 and 0 in his Ranji Trophy match. Interestingly, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) superstar missed the Sri Lanka series last year after a similar problem with his wrist. The Indian opener also did not play any part in India’s home series against West Indies after testing positive for Covid-19.
Also read: ‘Sir, why should I listen to you? Aap kuch kahenge aur phir chale jayenge’: Sridhar’s first conversation with an Indian star
Gaikwad arrived at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru in view of the injury for rehabilitation. According to a report filed by cricbuzz, it has been learned that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is unlikely to announce a replacement for the injured Indian opener for the New Zealand T20Is. Thus, returning opener Prithvi Shaw will be an automatic start for the Hardik Pandya-led side in the three-match series.
The report also suggested that India’s apex cricket board would receive a report from the NCA on veteran Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who is expected to regain full fitness ahead of the high-profile Border-Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and hosts India. are doing.
A decision on Jadeja’s selection will be taken before India’s pre-series camp in Nagpur on February 2. Jadeja underwent knee surgery in 2022 and the star all-rounder was out for five months. Jadeja has played 60 Tests, 171 ODIs and 64 T20 matches for India. Rohit Sharma-led Team India will take on Australia in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on February 9.
