Shardul Thakur Replaces Injured Bhuvi in ODI Squad for West Indies

Shardul Thakur was confirmed as the replacement of Bhuvneshwar Kumar after the latter was ruled out from the upcoming ODI series against West Indies with a groin injury. The 29-year old Bhuvi has been plagued with injuries ever since the World Cup, but looked like he was back to full fitness after taking the field and playing two T20I games against West Indies earlier this month. However, symptoms of his sports hernia resurfaced and he was ruled out by the BCCI after the results of the scans came out.

Bhuvi was even dealing with injury concerns during the league stage of the ICC World Cup this year after he suffered a hamstring injury in the clash against Pakistan. He, however, played the semis of the edition that India lost. Bhuvi had also been sidelined for most parts of 2018 with a lower back issue.

“The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Shardul Thakur as replacement for the injured Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the upcoming Paytm ODI series against West Indies,” a BCCI statement said.

“Bhuvneshwar Kumar complained of pain in his right groin after the final T20I in Mumbai on Wednesday. He underwent an ultrasound scan conducted by a specialist and the BCCI medical team found that his sportsman’s hernia symptoms have resurfaced. A specialist opinion will now be sought, and his management plan will be decided accordingly.”

Thakur last played for the Men in Blue back in September 2018 and has not played a single game for the international team across formats this year. He was, however, in good form in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, but just managed to pick a wicket in two innings for Mumbai against Vadodra last week.

Thakur will have to fight it out with Deepak Chahar and Mohammad Shami for the third seamer’s slot in the side, but it is unlikely that he will be the first pick. With the first game being held in Chennai, that traditionally assists spinners, Virat Kohli‘s side might just go in with two fast bowlers with Shivam Dube the part-time seamer. Thakur, then, will have to wait his chances.