Internet Desk: India suffered a blow ahead of its crucial semi final clash against West Indies. The all rounder was ruled out today for the remainder of the tournament. Yuvraj has been replaced by Manish Pandey, who was called in as cover for him on Monday.
Left arm spinner Pawan Negi is the front runner to replace injured Yuvraj. Considering the natural weakness of the Caribbean batsman against spinners , Negi is tipped as a surprise bowler who could come handy. Ajinkya Rahane and Manish Pandey’s name is also doing rounds to replace the left hander. Rahane , who have been warming the benches so far in the tournament is being considered as well . To go in Rahane’s favour the match is played at Wankhede which is his homeground. Karnataka batsman Manish Pandey, who was approved by the ICC as official replacement for Yuvraj has got an outright chance of making it into the playing eleven. Pandey is a natural stroke player along with a gifted fielder .
“The ICC has confirmed that the Event Technical Committee of the ICC World Twenty20 India 2016 has approved Manish Pandey as a replacement player for Yuvraj Singh in India’s squad for the tournament,” the ICC said in a statement.
Yuvraj twisted his ankle while batting in the previous match against Australia in Mohali and has been “ruled out of further participation in the tournament”.
The left-hander, who was dismissed on 21 in the last match, was in pain after twisting his ankle and had to be attended by the physio in the middle.
The 26-year-old Pandey has played two T20Is, which were against Zimbabwe in Harare in July last year. He was also a part of the final ODI team that played against Australia in December last year. It was his brilliant hundred that paved the way for a brilliant win for India.
“Any injury or illness-based replacement requires a written submission to the Event Technical Committee along with a diagnosis from a medical practitioner as to the extent of the injury or illness. Once replaced, a player may not return to the squad save as an approved subsequent replacement for another injured or ill player,” the ICC stated.