SL vs IND: Saini sustains shoulder injury, likely to miss final T20I

Team India was enjoying a sensational run in the ongoing Sri Lanka tour till the COVID-19 virus dented their campaign. All-rounder Krunal Pandya tested positive for coronavirus and got ruled out of the last two T20Is. Furthermore, as many as eight more players also had to isolate themselves as they were identified close to the southpaw. Although these players returned with negative results, they were excluded from the squad due to safety concerns.

With nine of 20 players unavailable in the squad, Team India hardly managed to name a playing XI for the second T20I. As a result, someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar was sent to bat at number six. Despite all the odds, however, India put a commendable fight and kept the Lankan Lions on their toes. However, their efforts weren’t enough as Sri Lanka walked away with a four-wicket win.

Navdeep Saini sustains shoulder injury

Besides suffering a defeat, Team India also faced another major blow in the game. Fast bowler Navdeep Saini injured his shoulder during the penultimate over the game, and his participation in the third T20I is under jeopardy. The right-arm pacer, fielding at extra cover, tried to catch a ball which Chamika Karunaratne smashed towards him.

However, the ball was too high as Saini couldn’t grab it. The more unfortunate part is the fast bowler landed on his left shoulder. He looked in serious pain and was eventually assisted by medical staff off the field. Although any official news is yet to come, it is expected that the fast bowler would miss the third and final T20I game.

Get well soon Navdeep Saini!!#SLvsIND pic.twitter.com/o2rgXfD7rT

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Notably, Saini didn’t bowl any over in the game as India had six specialist bowlers available. Hence, it won’t be a great loss for India from this aspect. However, if Saini fails to take the field on Thursday, the team management will have to ask one of the five net bowlers to make debut. In that case, Arshdeep Singh and Sandeep Warrier can be seen in action.

Meanwhile, the three-match series is currently poised at 1-1 and the third T20I will decide the fate of the series. While Sri Lanka would like to register another win, India would be raring to bounce back.