Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India’s ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin could not play Friday night’s IPL 2023 game against Punjab Kings due to a back spasm. Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson revealed Ashwin’s back problem at the toss.
Rajasthan Royals’ Ravichandran Ashwin’s back injury is not a good sign for the Indian team ahead of the ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia to be played at the Oval from June 7-11. It is concerning because Ashwin has a history of back injury which has troubled him in the past. The 36-year-old played with a severe back pain in the Sydney test during the tour to Australia in 2020-21.
It is a bit concerning because Ashwin is an integral member of the Indian test squad for the upcoming WTC Final. The Indian team is already battling fitness problems ahead of the marque clash. Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer are ruled out of the one-off Test due to injuries, while pacers Jaydev Unadkat, Shardul Thakur and Umesh Yadav are also dealing with fitness issues.
The Indian team will be leaving for London in batches. The supports staffs led by Head Coach Rahul Dravid will leave for UK on May 23 along with a few players who has finished their IPL assignments for their respective franchises.