Bhuvneshwar Kumar ruled out of ‘next 2-3 World Cup games’ due to hamstring

Star Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been ruled out of India’s next two or three World Cup 2019 games due to a niggle in his left hamstring during Sunday’s match against Pakistan, Indian skipper Virat Kohli confirmed during post-match proceedings. In the absence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami is finally set to get a few games. India’s next three games are against Afghanistan (June 22), West Indies (June 27) and England (June 30).

During the mega India-Pakistan match on Sunday, Bhuvneshwar Kumar slipped on the footmarks after bowling 2.4 overs. His third over was completed by Vijay Shankar and Bhuvi couldn’t take part in the remaining game.

“Slight niggle for Bhuvi, he slipped on one of the footmarks. He’s out for two, maybe three games, but he should come back for us at some stage during this tournament. He is very important for us,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony after India thumped Pakistan by 89 runs.

This was the second big blow to India as opener Shikhar Dhawan has already been ruled out of the World Cup for at least two weeks due to a hairline fracture in his thumb. He was struck by a rising Pat Cummins bouncer during India’s match against Australia.

Coming to the match, India thrashed Pakistan by 89 runs (DLS method) in a rain-affected game. With the victory, India extended its winning streak against Pakistan in the World Cup to 7-0.

After winning the toss, Pakistan invited India to bat first in overcast English conditions at Old Trafford in Manchester. India started carefully and then blasted the Pakistan bowlers to reach a total of 336, courtesy Rohit Sharma’s stunning century and crucial half centuries by KL Rahul and Virat Kohli.

Chasing the target, Pakistan lost their opener Imam-ul-Haq early in the innings. He was removed LBW by Vijay Shankar who struck on his very first ball of the World Cup. However, after the first wicket, Fakhar Zaman (62) and Babar Azam (48) stitched a good 104-run partnership for the second wicket to keep Pakistan in the contest.

However, a brilliant delivery from Kuldeep Yadav removed Babar on the last ball of 24^th over. After Babar’s wicket, the Pakistani team was all over and lost their next three batsman in for just 12 runs. They ended their innings at 212-6 in 40 overs and lost the game by 89 runs.