India's star batter gives massive injury scare to Rajasthan Royals right ahead of IPL 2025, ruled out of big clash

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have been dealt a massive blow right ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. RR's star opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has suffered an ankle injury. It's not just RR who are affected by Jaiswal's injury but also Mumbai.

Massive blow to RR after Yashasvi Jaiswal's injury

It all came ahead of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy semifinal against Vidarbha, which will be played on February 17 in Nagpur. The Ranji Trophy defending champions will be without their star opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been ruled out due to pain in his left ankle.

Jaiswal was initially named in India's provisional squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 but was later replaced by Varun Chakravarthy in the final squad. He is currently a non-traveling reserve, along with Shivam Dube and Mohammed Siraj.

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Going by a Times of India report, Jaiswal participated in Mumbai's practice session in Nagpur but appeared to be uncomfortable while batting. He will now undergo further assessment and begin his recovery process at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

"Jaiswal has been ruled out of the Ranji Trophy semifinals clash as he is suffering from a left ankle pain. He fielded in Mumbai's practice session today at Nagpur, but looked uncomfortable while batting in the nets. It is an old injury which has recurred. He has to leave for the BCCI's Centre of Excellence tomorrow to start his recovery process," a source told TOI.

Sans Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahan-led Mumbai will look to pass the Vidarbha hurdle and make it to the final, given their star-studded line-up including Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Shams Mulani, and Shardul Thakur. Meanwhile, Vidarbha, boasting players such as Atharva Taide, Dhruv Shorey, Karun Nair, and Umesh Yadav, will aim to make the most of their home advantage.

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Mumbai's preparations for the semifinal against a strong Vidarbha team, led by Karun Nair, have been disrupted by the late withdrawal of Yashasvi Jaiswal. The defending champions reached the semifinals after defeating Haryana in the quarterfinals. In Jaiswal's absence, Ayush Mhatre and Akash Anand are expected to open the batting. Mumbai's selectors are unlikely to name a replacement for Jaiswal, as he was included in the squad as the 18th player after confirming his availability. Earlier in the tournament, the young Indian opener played alongside Rohit Sharma in the second-stage opening match against Jammu and Kashmir last month.

Besides, Ranji Trophy, RR would wish for Jaiswal's recovery before IPL 2025 which is expected to start from March 22. Jaiswal had a stunning season in IPL 2025, where RR made it to the playoffs. The star batter amassed 435 runs in IPL 2025 riding on a century against Mumbai Indians.