IND vs WI: Dhawan ruled out of T20I series, Samson named replacement

The BCCI has confirmed that opener Shikhar Dhawan will miss the upcoming T20I series against West Indies with a knee injury. Wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson has been named as his replacement.

Dhawan suffered the injury while representing Delhi during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament. Dhawan suffered a deep cut on his left knee while playing against Maharashtra and will not recover in time for the West Indies T20Is. Samson was a part of India’s squad for the T20Is against Bangladesh but was not afforded a single opportunity. His subsequent dropping from the squad created quite a furore on social media. He will now hope that he gets a chance in the playing XI in the series against West Indies.

Confirming the injury, a BCCI statement read:

“Opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out of the upcoming Paytm T20I series against West Indies. Dhawan suffered a deep cut on his left knee during a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy game against Maharashtra in Surat. The BCCI Medical Team assessed him on Tuesday to review the healing of his wound. The BCCI Medical Team has suggested that Dhawan needs some more time for his stitches to come off and his wound to heal completely. The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Sanju Samson as Dhawan’s replacement for the T20I series.”

India’s three-match T20I series against West Indies will begin in Hyderabad on December 6th. It will be followed by a three-match ODI series.

Saha undergoes surgery

India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman in the Test format, Wriddhiman Saha too has suffered an injury setback. Saha sustained a fracture on his right ring finger during the day-night Test against Bangladesh. He underwent successful surgery in Mumbai and will now begin his rehab. Fortunately for him, India’s next Test assignment will be against New Zealand in February, giving him ample time to complete his recovery.