IPL 2016: Ashish Nehra to undergo knee surgery
Veteran pacer Ashish Nehra has been advised by the BCCI to undergo a surgery on his right knee after he was ruled out of the IPL following a hamstring injury during an IPL match. The 37-year old sustained a high-grade hamstring tendon during Sunrisers Hyderabad's match against Kings XI Punjab on May 15.
The BCCI had recommended Nehra to consult a doctor in London. An official statement by secretary Ajay Shirke said, "Ashish Nehra, injured his right knee during the VIVO Indian Premier League 2016. Assessment and investigation by BCCI medical staff revealed Nehra sustained a high-grade tendon injury and was recommended to consult Dr. Andrew Williams, orthopaedic specialist in London.
“Post consultation, Dr. Williams has advised surgery on his right knee, which will take place shortly."
Usually, a hamstring tendon injury, including rehabilitation, would take between three to six months to heal, and this puts Nehra's cricketing future in doubt. However, there have also been talks of him taking over as the national team's bowling coach after he retires.
Nehra, who made his international debut in 1999, has faced several fitness issues over the years. He has represented India in 120 ODIs, 17 Tests and 23 T20s.
Also read: IPL 2016: Ashish Nehra surprised at not being picked earlier for Indian team
After being snubbed by the selectors for India's tour of England in 2015, Nehra made a T20 comeback, playing in the tour of Australia in 2016. He was also one of the key bowlers in the Indian team during the Asia Cup and World T20, taking 11 wickets in the nine matches he played in both the tournaments at an economy of 6.42.
The southpaw was also named in the 'Team of the Tournament' after the World T20, as he bowled exceptionally on pitches that did not favour pacers.
Nehra also continued his form in the IPL, and was a mainstay bowler in the team, along with Mustafizur Rahman, Barinder Sran and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He played eight matches for SRH in this edition and picked nine wickets at 7.65 economy rate.
The 37-year-old performed his best against Mumbai Indians on May 7, dismissing Rohit Sharma, Jos Buttler and Ambati Rayudu, and ending with figures of 3/15.
Earlier, SRH's batsman Eoin Morgan had told that it was a big blow for the team to be missing out on the services of Nehra. SRH qualified for the playoffs after finishing third on the points table and will be playing the eliminator round against Kolkata Knight Riders on May 25.