Shardul Thakur to go for 7-week rehab, likely to miss Australia T20Is, Tests

He underwent a few scans and now is expected to spend at least seven weeks in rehab

Indian speedster Shardul Thakur had a terrible Test debut against West Indies in Hyderabad as he sustained a groin injury after bowling just 10 balls. As a result, he had to leave the field and couldn’t bowl again. He underwent a few scans and now is expected to spend at least seven weeks in rehab which will is likely to keep him away from India's T20I and Test squads on their tour of Australia.

According to an Indian Express report, Shardul stated that he needs time to get fit and return on the field.

“Even if I try hard, I won't be able to get fit before the second Test in Australia [which starts on December 14]. A place in the T20Is or the Tests will be difficult. I will be eyeing the one-dayers instead. Let's see how my rehab goes. I will continue with my training for the next seven weeks,” Thakur was quoted as saying.

Forced by injury, Thakur had to spend most of his debut test away from the field. He came to bat as the last man in the first innings but didn’t appear to bowl again. The 27-year old was subsequently replaced in India's ODI squad by Umesh Yadav.

Shardul was also ruled out from the middle of the Asia Cup 2018 following an injury which he picked up in the opening game against Hong Kong. However, he recovered soon and was back on the field as he played a List A game and a Vijay Hazare Trophy match for Mumbai before being called up to the Test squad.