Chattogram, Dec 09 (UiTV/IANS) – Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav on Friday has been added to India’s squad for the third and final ODI against Bangladesh, with KL Rahul to captain the side in Rohit Sharma’s absence, said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Yadav was initially named in India’s Test squad for the two-match series against Bangladesh, starting from December 14. But with fast-bowlers Kuldeep Sen and Deepak Chahar ruled out due to injuries, he had to be called up for the third and final ODI against Bangladesh.
Yadav had been in India’s squad on tour of New Zealand, but did not get any match to play. He last played in an ODI against South Africa at New Delhi on October 11, picking 4/18 and got the Player of the Match award for playing a pivotal role in a 2-1 series victory for the hosts.
Rohit had suffered a blow to his left thumb in the second over while fielding in the 2nd ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. The BCCI medical team assessed him, and he underwent x-ray scans at a local hospital in Dhaka. He was attempting to take a catch at second slip of Anamul Haque off pacer Mohammed Siraj, where the ball dipped on him and hit his thumb.
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Immediately he went off the field, and came out to bat at number nine, hitting an unbeaten 51 off 28 balls, laced with three fours and five sixes, in a courageous effort which went in vain as India fell short by five runs to lose the series.
BCCI has said that Rohit has now flown back home to Mumbai for specialist consultation and will miss the final ODI. BCCI added that a call on his availability for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh will be taken later.
In the post-match presentation ceremony of 2nd ODI, Rohit admitted his thumb isn’t in good condition, but conceded that too many injury concerns in the Indian team were not ideal.
“Honestly, the thumb is not too great. Some dislocation on the finger, but not a fracture, which is why I could come and bat. There are a few injury concerns and we need to get to the bottom of it. Need to try and monitor them, because it’s important to understand this.”
“Maybe they’re playing too much cricket. When they come to play for India, they need to be at more than 100 percent. It’s something we have to sit down with our team at NCA and try and monitor their workload. Can’t afford to have half-fit players representing India.”
Sen complained of stiffness in his back after picking two wickets in his international debut during the first ODI against Bangladesh on Sunday. The BCCI medical team assessed him, and he was advised rest from the 2nd ODI.
BCCI has now said that Sen has been diagnosed with a stress injury and is ruled out of the series. Chahar, on the other hand, sustained a left hamstring strain during the 2nd ODI and is also ruled out of the series. Both players will now report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for further management of their injuries.
With Bangladesh having an unassailable 2-0 lead, India will be aiming to sign off from the series on a high in the third and final ODI set to happen at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium (ZACS) in Chattogram on Saturday.
India’s squad for 3rd ODI against Bangladesh: KL Rahul (C) (WK), Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Shreyas Iyer, Rahul Tripathi, Ishan Kishan (WK), Shahbaz Ahmed, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Umran Malik, Kuldeep Yadav.
BCCI, Mastercard partnership to promote women’s cricket in India with campaigns
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Mastercard, the current title sponsor of all international and domestic men’s and women’s matches in India, on Friday announced that they have jointly launched the #HalkeMeinMattLo (don’t take it casually) campaign as part of their ongoing endeavour to support gender equality on and off the field.
The films developed under the campaign depict the journey of top Indian women cricketers — opener Shafali Verma, all-rounder Harleen Kaur Deol and fast-bowler Renuka Singh Thakur –, highlighting their struggle, hard work and determination to do well.
“India and Australia are among the top teams in world cricket and the contests between these teams have been quite thrilling. Each of their last few games has gone down to the wire and I am sure we will get to witness some top-quality cricketing action in Mumbai as the two teams meet again.”
“We are happy to partner with Mastercard for the campaign, which will bring out the stories of hard work, sacrifices and dedication. We want to encourage young girls to pursue cricket as a passion and a career option,” said Jay Shah, Honorary Secretary, BCCI, in an official statement.
The #HalkeMeinMattLo campaign is designed to break stereotypes by presenting the achievements of women cricketers at both national and international levels and highlighting their commitment and passion towards the game.
The campaign will run during the India-Australia Women’s five-match T20I series to be played in Mumbai from December 9-20, 2022. The first two matches will be played in DY Patil Stadium, while next three matches would take place in Brabourne Stadium.
“Mastercard has been striving to make sports more inclusive globally. Cricket is the most celebrated sport in India. We commend the BCCI for its inclusive pay policy and are delighted to actively support women’s cricket as part of the overall sponsorship of the BCCI home series matches.”
“Collaborating with the BCCI to promote women’s cricket is an extension of Mastercard’s larger commitment to address gender biases and encourage women’s participation in sports,” said Julie Nestor, Senior Vice President and Head of Marketing & Communications, Asia Pacific, Mastercard.
India women’s team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will be playing in a home series after almost 21 months, with their last series at home coming against South Africa in March 2021.
They face a formidable challenge in the Alyssa Healy-led Australia side, who are current holders of T20 and ODI World Cups as well as gold medallists in 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
