PWL 2018: Fans left disappointed as Sushil Kumar makes last-minute injury withdrawal
Sushil Kumar
What's the story?
Controversy seems to follow wrestling icon Sushil Kumar wherever he goes and after reports that he may be excluded from India's contingent at the Commonwealth Games, another issue has arisen of his latest injury that is likely to see him miss Friday's match in the Pro Wrestling League.
He was expected to make his PWL debut against the Haryana Hammers after being blocked out in the season opener earlier but according to reports, he has suffered a knee injury and has been advised a two-day rest.
In case you didn't know
Sushil scripted Pro Wrestling League history after he was picked for a whopping Rs 55 lakh in the player auction by the Delhi Sultans. However, his much-awaited debut got delayed after his weight category was blocked on the opening day.
The heart of the matter
The two-time Olympic medalist was in line to face Haryana Hammers' Russian import Khetik Tsabolov in the 74kg clash today but will now be forced to miss the match-up, given his latest injury blow.
The Indian grappler's match with Tsabolov, who is the reigning World Championship silver medalist, was billed as an encounter to watch out for and would have been Sushil's first real test since making his comeback.
However, his latest no-show has left fans disappointed once again, with some even questioning his desire to take the mat against a strong opponent.
What's next?
The ace wrestler is set to take rest in Friday's encounter and it remains to be seen whether he will recover in time for his team's next clash in the Pro Wrestling League, which will be on Monday against UP Dangal.
Author's take
Fans will surely be disappointed to miss out on watching one of India's biggest sporting heroes in action and as far as the nature of his withdrawal is concerned, its sudden nature does leave a bad taste in the mouth.