Ravi Bishnoi Replaces Injured Varun Chakravarthy in India’s Zimbabwe T20I Squad
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a major change to India’s squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi has been drafted into the squad after Varun Chakravarthy was ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Varun sustained the injury during the T20I series against England and will now undergo rehabilitation before returning to competitive cricket.
Varun Chakravarthy Ruled Out with Hamstring Injury
According to the BCCI, Varun experienced discomfort in his left hamstring during the third T20I against England. Medical scans later confirmed a Grade 2 hamstring injury, forcing him to miss the Zimbabwe T20I series.
The spinner will now report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) for further treatment and rehabilitation.
Ravi Bishnoi Earns Recall
With Varun unavailable, Ravi Bishnoi has been included in the Indian squad for the Zimbabwe tour.
Bishnoi featured in the opening two T20Is against England earlier in the month. Although he had a difficult outing in the second match, the selectors have backed the leg-spinner to strengthen India’s spin attack for the Zimbabwe series.
Harshit Rana Ruled Out of England ODI Series
India have also suffered another injury setback, with fast bowler Harshit Rana being ruled out of the ODI series against England.
The pacer picked up a Grade 1 hamstring injury during the third T20I at Trent Bridge. Following medical assessment, the BCCI confirmed that he will also report to the Centre of Excellence for recovery.
Prince Yadav Retained for ODI Series
Following Harshit Rana’s injury, Prince Yadav will remain with the Indian squad for the ODI series in England after initially being selected only for the T20I leg of the tour.
India’s pace attack for the ODI series will now feature Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar, and Prince Yadav.
Bumrah Returns to Boost India’s Pace Attack
The return of Jasprit Bumrah is a significant boost for India’s ODI plans. With the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup approaching next year, the selectors are keen to give Bumrah regular game time in the 50-over format.
His experience will add stability to India’s bowling attack during the England series.
Coaching Staff for Zimbabwe Tour Confirmed
The Indian team for the Zimbabwe T20Is will be coached by VVS Laxman, who will take charge while regular head coach Gautam Gambhir is given a short break after the England tour.
Laxman will be assisted by Sunil Joshi and Hrishikesh Kanitkar during the series.
BCCI Review Expected After Recent Setbacks
Following disappointing T20I series defeats against Ireland and England, the BCCI is expected to conduct a detailed review involving senior officials, head coach Gautam Gambhir and T20I captain Shreyas Iyer.
India’s recent performances included several unwanted records, including the team’s first-ever T20I series defeat to Ireland and a six-match losing streak in the shortest format.
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