Right ahead of the fourth T20I match against Australia in Raipur on December 1, Friday, India's star pacer Mukesh Kumar survived an injury scare during a practice session. Mukesh, who had missed the third T20I against Australia due to his wedding, rejoined the Indian team in Raipur and immediately hit the practice nets.
After a brief conversation with bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule, Mukesh began his training session. However, it was learnt that he was struck near the eye by a ball, causing him immediate pain. Mukesh promptly returned to the dressing room and was seen applying a wet towel to the injured area. Nevertheless, he emerged from the dressing room shortly after with a smile and, after a brief discussion with Bahutule, resumed bowling at the nets, as reported by Cricketaddictor.
The 30-year-old right-arm pacer is one of the four specialist seamers vying for selection in India's playing XI for the fourth T20I against Australia.
The pacer, who is considered a death overs specialist, is likely to replace Prasidh Krishna, who conceded 68 runs in the third T20I, including a costly 21-run final over that allowed Australia to snatch victory. Mukesh remained wicketless in the first T20I which India won by two wickets and picked one wicket in the following match in which which the Men in Blue emerged victorious by 44 runs.
Glenn Maxwell's unbeaten century in the third T20I kept Australia's hopes alive in the five-match outing, and the series is now poised at 2-1 in India's favour.
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer, the vice-captain, rejoins the squad for the final two games. His return raises the question of who will make way for him in the playing XI. Deepak Chahar, who joined the team before the third T20I, is now available for selection for the fourth match.
Addressing the pre-match press conference, Ravi Bishnoi expressed India's determination to secure the series in Raipur itself.
India Squad For Last Two T20Is Against Australia
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Prasidh Krishna, Deepak Chahar, Shreyas Iyer, Jitesh Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube.
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