IND vs WI: Shradul Thakur Replaces Injured Bhuvneshwar Kumar In ODI Series

Shardul Thakur has been named as Bhuvneshwar's replacement for the upcoming 3-match ODI series

Indian cricket team received a major blow ahead of the 3-match ODI series against West Indies, starting from December 15 in Chennai. After Shikhar Dhawa, right-arm pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been ruled out of the rubber following a groin injury. The BCCI released an official statement which said that Bhuvneshwar complained of pain in his right groin after the final T20I on Wednesday evening which India won by 67 runs at the Wankhede in Mumbai. Shardul Thakur has been named as his replacement. “He underwent an ultrasound scan conducted by a specialist and the BCCI medical team found that his sportsman's hernia symptoms have resurfaced,” stated the release. “A specialist opinion will now be sought, and his management plan will be decided accordingly.”

UPDATE 📰: @imShard to replace Bhuvneshwar Kumar in #TeamIndia squad for the @Paytm ODI series starting tomorrow in Chennai against the West Indies. #INDvWI Details - https://t.co/bZyscTF1Dk pic.twitter.com/9ow10ojUti

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 14, 2019

Thakur, who has replaced Bhuvneshwar, last played an ODI during the Asia Cup in September 2018, following which he played his first and only Test against West Indies in October. Bhuvneshwar has been struggling with injuries since the 2018 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He had struggled in India's tour of England missing T20Is and ODIs before eventually returning home midway during the five-Test series after his back injury resurfaced. The 29-year-old also struggled with hamstring injuries at World Cup 2019 as well. During the World Cup, he had to limp out of the marquee contest against Pakistan in Manchester with a hamstring strain after bowling just 2.4 overs. He made a comeback in the semi-finals, but then missed the home series against South Africa and Bangladesh recently.