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Injury concerns for Dhawan ahead of historic test match against Afghanistan at Chinnaswamy

June 14 2018
XtraTime
Shikhar Dhawan during India’s practice session. Image Source: XtraTime

Debasis Sen, Bengaluru: Injury concerns for India’s star opener Shikhar Dhawan ahead of the one off test match against Afghanistan which is starting from Thursday at Chinnaswamy stadium. The Delhi opener did not bat at the nets although he did come with the Indian team for optional practice. The left hander was seen taking some sprints with his pads on in front of Shankar Basu and Patrick Farhat. But he looked in some concerns holding his back assuming he might have some back spasms. He will undergo a fitness test in the morning of the test match. If he is not fully fit then KL Rahul will partner Murali Vijay at the top of the order. Though in the evening Shikhar posted on his twitter handle that he is very happy to be a part of this historic event.” Cannot wait for the historic test match against @ACBofficials in Bengaluru tomorrow! It’s always amazing to see the sport grow and I’m very happy to be part of this historic moment,” twitted Shikhar.

All the bowlers except Kuldeep Yadav and Navdeep Saini bowled at the nets on the eve of the match. Kuldeep and Navdeep were rested. Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya too were rested.Karun, who is going to lead India A in the four-day games in England, is being treated as another star batsman Rohit Sharma’s possible replacement. After a chain of failure, Rohit might not get a chance in the longest format quick time.




However, with Rahul in imperious form of late (at least in the IPL) and expected to play a key role in England, there is every chance of giving him the game time that he deserves.




Also checking out Rahul at No.3 and by pushing Pujara at No.4 will give team management a chance to create a back-up for the Saurashtra right-hander in case he flops in England.

There is a possibility of both (Karun and Rahul) playing but whether the team needs an extra batsman against a Test debutant nation is the bigger question.




The other big question is whether they will go with an extra spinner in chinaman Kuldeep Yadav, who might play Tests in England.