In a series of setbacks for Team India, injuries have led to key changes in the squad for the ongoing five-match T20I series against England. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and batter Rinku Singh will miss significant parts of the series due to injuries. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced replacements to maintain team balance.
Nitish Kumar Reddy Ruled Out of the Series
Nitish Kumar Reddy, a promising all-rounder, has been sidelined due to a side strain sustained during a practice session in Chennai. This unfortunate injury occurred ahead of the second T20I match. Following medical assessment, Reddy has been sent to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for further treatment and rehabilitation. His absence will leave a void in the team’s all-rounder department.
Rinku Singh to Miss Two Key Matches
Rinku Singh, known for his finishing prowess, suffered a back spasm during the first T20I in Kolkata. The injury occurred while he was fielding, forcing him to sit out of the second and third games of the series. This is a significant setback for the middle-order lineup, as Rinku has been a vital cog in India’s recent T20 success.
Replacements Announced
To cover for the injured players, the Senior Men’s Selection Committee has included all-rounder Shivam Dube and batter Ramandeep Singh in the squad. Both players bring versatility and recent domestic form to the team, aiming to strengthen India’s chances against a competitive England side.
India’s Performance in the Series So Far
Despite the injuries, India started the series on a strong note with a comprehensive seven-wicket win in the first T20I in Kolkata. The team’s batting and bowling departments showcased a well-rounded performance, leaving fans optimistic about the upcoming games.
Updated India Squad for England T20I Series
India’s revised squad for the series now includes:
- Suryakumar Yadav (C)
- Axar Patel (VC)
- Sanju Samson (WK)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Rinku Singh
- Harshit Rana
- Arshdeep Singh
- Mohammad Shami
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Washington Sundar
- Dhruv Jurel (WK)
- Shivam Dube
- Ramandeep Singh
Upcoming Fixtures
The second T20I is scheduled for January 25 in Chennai, followed by the third match on January 27. The series promises to be a thrilling contest as India aims to maintain their winning momentum against England, a formidable opponent in the shortest format of the game.
Conclusion
Injuries are an unavoidable aspect of sports, but Team India remains resilient, showcasing their bench strength with timely replacements. As the series progresses, fans will be eager to see how the team adapts and performs in the absence of key players like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Rinku Singh.
FAQs
1. Who has replaced Nitish Kumar Reddy and Rinku Singh in the squad?
Shivam Dube and Ramandeep Singh have been added to India’s T20I squad as replacements.
2. What injury did Rinku Singh sustain?
Rinku Singh suffered a back spasm while fielding during the first T20I in Kolkata.
3. When is the next match in the T20I series against England?
The second T20I is scheduled for January 25 in Chennai.
4. How did India perform in the first T20I?
India secured a convincing seven-wicket victory over England in the opening match of the series.
5. Where is Nitish Kumar Reddy receiving treatment?
Nitish Kumar Reddy is undergoing treatment and rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.