Indian all rounder Ravindra Jadeja is ruled out for the reminder of the T20I series against Australia. The talented cricketer had suffered concussion during the first T20I at Canberra.
He will take no further part in the series, BCCI has confirmed. The board also announced pace bowler Shardul Thakur as his replacement for the rest of the series.
During the first T20, Jadeja played an important knock with the bat. He scored a quick fire 44 run cameo in just 23 balls. But he was hit on the helmet during the last over while facing Mitchell Starc.
The 31-year old was already seen struggling with hamstring injury earlier in the innings. But he didn’t come onto the field for bowling. BCCI has confirmed the news via a press statement.
“He (Jadeja) will not take any further part in the ongoing T20I series. The All-India Senior Selection Committee has added Shardul Thakur to India’s T20I squad,” the BCCI said in a statement.
“Ravindra Jadeja sustained a concussion after being hit on the left side of his forehead in the final over of the first innings of the first T20I against Australia in Canberra on 4th December 2020,” the BCCI said.
“The diagnosis was confirmed based on a clinical assessment in the dressing room during the innings break by the BCCI Medical Team,” it added.
India used the new concussion substitution and brought on Yuzvendra Chahal. The wrist spinner proved to be the match winner as he picked up three crucial wickets. He along with debutant Natarajan impressed with the ball.
They helped India back into the game after Australia were cruising at one point in the chase. Chahal was adjourned Man of the match for his bowling exploits. India also managed to start T20I series on a positive note.
However, the loss of Ravindra Jadeja could prove to be huge as he is the ideal all rounder in the team. He can play big shots in the death overs and bowl effectively in his 4 overs. The Indian team management needs to find the right balance for the next T2OIs.
India might add Chahal and go with four bowlers unlike first T20. Washington Sundar will have more responsibility with the ball after his economical spell in Canberra. Australia will take on India on Sunday for the second T20 in Sydney.
The visitors lost both the ODIs at the venue. So Virat Kohli & Co. will look to change their fortunes and win the series on Sunday.
