Vijay Shankar Ruled Out Of World Cup, Mayank Agarwal Likely Replacement
Published - 01 Jul 2019, 03:56 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:00 AM
Team India have suffered yet another injury blow in the ongoing World Cup 2019 in England and Wales. Allrounder Vijay Shankar is out of the competition due to a toe injury. Shankar missed Sunday’s clash against England due to the same injury and is now set to return home. India have already lost the services of Shikhar Dhawan who suffered a thumb injury during the clash against Australia.
Vijay Shankar, who made his ODI debut earlier this year, was a surprising inclusion in the World Cup squad. However, he could not break into the playing eleven straightaway. It was only after Shikhar Dhawan was ruled out of the competition and KL Rahul had to be promoted as an opener. the team-management included Shankar in the team.
But he failed to deliver as per expectations. Barring his two wickets against Pakistan, Shankar has not quite managed to do well. On Sunday, India replaced him with Pant on the playing eleven but he too failed to grab the opportunity as he scored just 32.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma Offers Hilarious Explanation Over Rishabh Pant’s Inclusion In Playing XI
According to reports, Mayank Agarwal is likely to replace Shankar in the team. Agarwal is yet to make his ODI debut but is one of the most consistent performers in domestic circuit. He made his Test debut during the tour of Australia in December last year and made an instant impression.
With India’s middle-order looking the weak link at the moment, Agarwal might provide it some much-needed solidity. Being an opener, Agarwal could also open the innings which will allow the team-management to demote Rahul at number four.
India, meanwhile, suffered their first loss of the World Cup on Sunday. England beat the Men in Blue by 31 runs in the high-scoring encounter at Edgbaston. Batting first, England piled up 337 for 6. In reply, India finished their innings on 306 for 5. Virat Kohli & Co. will next take on Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and need just one more point to enter the semifinals.
