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India have suffered a huge injury scare as their star wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan was hit by Jasprit Bumrah during team's training session on February 11.
Ishan Kishan gives India massive injury scare
India are currently preparing for their upcoming T20 World Cup matches against Namibia and Pakistan, which is scheduled to be played on February 12 and February 15 respectively. Ishan took the blow on his left leg and was subsequently attended by physios immediately. However, he came to bat again for around five minutes and left. Ishan completed his session and looked fine after the incident.
Abhishek Sharma doubtful for India vs Namibia clash
Ishan's injury scare came when Indian team’s selection plans are facing significant disruption following the news that Abhishek Sharma is likely to miss the upcoming match. The young opener was hospitalised due to a stomach infection, leaving a void at the top of the order. However, he has been discharged now but there is still no clarity on his availability for the Namibia clash.
In response to these shifting circumstances, Sanju Samson, who had previously been dropped from the starting lineup, was observed putting in an intensive session in the nets. As the squad's designated reserve opener, Samson is now expected to be drafted back into the XI to stabilise the batting front, provided Abhishek misses the match.
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The situation has become even more critical with concerns surrounding Ishan’s availability. In case Kishan's injury scare turns out to be serious, which rules him out of India's next clash, the team management will be forced to get creative with their lineup. With both primary and secondary options sidelined, officials will need to identify a makeshift opening partner to join Samson and navigate the early overs, potentially pulling a middle-order player or an all-rounder out of their usual position.
Ishan Kishan's scorching form
The 27-year-old has been in exceptional form since his return to the T20I squad for the five-match series against New Zealand. His recall followed a dominant stint in domestic cricket and a dip in performance from Shubman Gill, prompting the selection panel to bring him back into the national fold. Kishan immediately validated that decision, delivering a string of consistent performances against the Kiwis that culminated in a spectacular century during the fifth and final match of the series.
Despite his importance to the lineup, there has been no official update regarding his current fitness concerns. His availability is seen as vital for the Indian side, especially with a high-stakes encounter against Pakistan looming on February 15 in Colombo.
Compounding India’s issues is the absence of Harshit Rana, who was forced out of the World Cup entirely after sustaining a knee injury during a warm-up match against South Africa. He was replaced in the squad by Mohammed Siraj, who has already made an impact. Siraj proved his readiness by claiming three wickets in the tournament opener against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium, providing a silver lining to India's recent injury woes.
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