Xtra Time Web Desk: In what comes as a huge blow to the Indian team ahead of the T20 World Cup semi final against Australia at Newlands stadium, captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Pooja Vastrakar and Radha Yadav are all doubtful to take the field. Pooja has been ruled out due to an upper respiratory tract infection ahead of the crucial contest. Vastrakar featured in all of India’s group stage games. The medium-pacer has picked up two wickets at a bowling average of 44.5 at the tournament so far.
The ICC Event Technical Committee has approved a replacement player request from the BCCI. Off-spin bowling all-rounder Sneh Rana, who has featured in 47 internationals including 24 T20Is, will replace Vastrakar and could come into consideration for the cut-throat semi-final on Thursday.
Harmanpreet Kaur was not present at the team’s training session. All three players were rushed to a local hospital as a precautionary measure. If Harmanpreet doesn’t recover, then Smriti Mandhana will captain the side against Australia. Harleen Deol will replace her in the playing XI.
Devika Vaidya, who played the last group league game against Ireland will keep her place in the eleven. Indian team management can also include left-arm medium pacer Anjali Sarvani and if they look to strengthen their batting, will bring in Yastika Bhatia.