IND vs ENG: Injury woes continue for India, Rinku Singh ruled out of 2nd and 3rd T20Is
Xtra Time Web Desk: India's middle-order batter Rinku Singh has been ruled out of the 2nd and 3rd T20Is against England due to a lower back spasm, the BCCI confirmed on Saturday, January 25. The injury occurred while Rinku was fielding during the opening T20I in Kolkata.
Rinku, who did not get a chance to bat in the series opener, will be a significant absence for the Indian team. The Uttar Pradesh batter has been a key player in India's T20I setup, and his unavailability comes as a blow to the hosts, who secured a comfortable 7-wicket victory in the first game at Eden Gardens to take a 1-0 series lead.
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The BCCI stated that Rinku is recovering well and is under constant observation by the medical team. "Rinku Singh sustained a low back spasm while fielding in the 1st T201 against England on 22nd January. He is progressing well and the BCCI medical team is monitoring him closely. He is ruled out of the 2nd and 3rd games of the ongoing 5-match T20I series," read the official statement.
India has already been hit by an injury crisis ahead of the second T20I, with Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out of the remainder of the series due to a side strain. The young all-rounder has been replaced by Shivam Dube, who has been added to the squad alongside Ramandeep Singh. Nitish will undergo further management at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
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To compound India's concerns, Abhishek Sharma twisted his ankle during a practice session on Friday, January 24, and his availability for the upcoming matches remains uncertain. Meanwhile, pacer Mohammed Shami, who was seen bowling in the nets with heavy strapping on both legs, is also being closely monitored by the medical team.
India will look to overcome these setbacks as they aim to strengthen their lead in the five-match T20I series against England.
