Yuvraj Singh's injury update: Ajinkya Rahane could replace Singh in World T20 semi-final
Swashbuckling Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh got injured in the clash against Australia which India won thanks to a marvellous batting display by Virat Kohli in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2016. Yuvraj twisted his ankle while batting in the middle of the game but continued playing on.
Also read: India vs West Indies T20 WC Semi final, Wankhede Stadium Mumbai: Seating Arrangement, Layout, Parking, Stands, Capacity, Stats
The Indian batsman was struggling to run between the wickets after the injury and he looked in severe pain as well. Yuvraj couldn’t bat for long after the injury and it seems that he may miss the semi-final clash against the West Indies which is scheduled to be played on 31 March.
There has been speculation that Ajinkya Rahane may replace Yuvraj in the playing XI for the semi-final as the southpaw’s injury looks rather serious. Though the Karnataka batsman Manish Pandey has been called in as cover for the injured left-hander, the team management might opt for Rahane to replace Yuvraj.
Rahane, who has been with the team for a long time, hasn’t played a game in the ongoing tournament. Chances are high that he might play in front of his home crowd in the semi-final. Rahane also had an extended net session before the Australia game, so odds are on him to replace Yuvraj if the Punjab batsman doesn’t recover.
Rahane has been magnificent in the longer version of the game for India but hasn’t really performed up to expectations in the limited-over formats. However, a class act like him can always come good when the stakes are high.
Rahane also knows the Wankhede pitch like the back of his hand as he hails from Mumbai. He could be a useful addition to the team given his familiarity with the local conditions.