IND vs NZ 2021: Did Something Happen This Morning? VVS Laxman Stumped After Three Players Ruled Out Second Test

Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman was completely caught off-guard by the three sudden injuries in the Indian camp ahead of the second Test against New Zealand in Mumbai.

Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ishant Sharma were ruled out of the second Test owing to injuries, the BCCI confirmed on the morning of the match. While Ishant sustained a blow on his left hand during the first Test, which suggested a dislocated finger, the other two seemed fit heading into the final game.

“Did something happen this morning? But Virat Kohli said nothing about it in the press conference yesterday. It is obviously a big blow. Jadeja was injured in that England series and Axar Patel came in and he was named Player of the Series.“

“The way he bowled was just fantastic to see. And then you saw Shreyas Iyer, who came in place of Virat Kohli. He straightaway stamped his authority under tremendous pressure. So I guess India have got very good players who can replace players who are missing due to injuries,” Laxman said on Star Sports.

There is no reason to change the batting line-up – VVS Laxman

With Rahane out of the match, it makes the decision to replace him with Virat Kohli much easier. As a reason, there will not be any changes in the batting line-up and the team shouldn’t even consider it, implied VVS Laxman.

“It goes without saying that Mayank Agarwal might continue to play. There is no reason to change the batting line-up. Virat Kohli will come in place of Ajinkya Rahane. Obviously, Siraj will come in place of Ishant Sharma but who will replace Ravindra Jadeja? Will it be an extra spinner because we know Jayant Yadav is in the squad, or will it be a fast bowler to a batter to strengthen the batting? We will have to wait and see,” Laxman added.

The first session was wiped out as the poor outfield conditions ensured no play was possible. There will be two sessions on the first day of the Mumbai Test.

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