Team India has suffered another injury blow before the start of three T20Is against Sri Lanka as middle-order batsman Suryakumar Yadav has been ruled out of the series. The right-handed batsman played a key role in India’s win over West Indies and was adjudged Player of the Series.
The right-handed batsman did travel to Lucknow, the venue for the opening T20I, but won’t be part of the fixtures. He has reportedly suffered a hairline fracture on his hand.
In the opening T20I against West Indies, Suryakumar hit an 18-ball 34* as the home team chased down 158. In the 2nd T20I, he was dismissed for 8. In the third game, the 31-year-old smashed 31-ball 65 to power India to a big total of 184/5. He was bestowed with the Player of the Match award for his heroics.
Suryakumar’s absence comes as a big blow for the Men in Blue as the home side is already without the services of Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant. Both the players have been rested for the white-ball fixtures.
In Suryakumar’s absence, Shreyas Iyer will be an automatic selection in the playing XI right from game 1. Deepak Hooda could also be handed his debut cap in Suryakumar’s absence.
Deepak Chahar has also been ruled out of the series and hasn’t travelled to Lucknow. He suffered a hamstring issue during the 3rd 2T20I against West Indies and couldn’t complete his spell.
