ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Vijay Shankar cleared of serious injury

Vijay Shankar was hit on the arm during Friday practice as the Indian cricket team geared up to face New Zealand at The Oval. Shankar was seen in immense pain and he did not take any further part in the session. There were mounting concerns that Shankar could be in doubt for the tournament, with many reportedly fearing that he could have suffered a fracture. However, the BCCI provided some welcome news of relief when they tweeted an update on the all-rounder. “Shankar was hit on his right forearm during practice on Friday. He underwent scans and no fracture has been detected. BCCI Medical Team is aiding him in his recovery,” the BCCI’s official Twitter handle announced.

There were some concerns even on Shikhar Dhawan, who was reportedly hit by a rising delivery from Mohammed Shami in the nets but apparently, he was not injured as he continued batting.

UPDATE - Vijay Shankar was hit on his right forearm during practice on Friday. He underwent scans and no fracture has been detected. BCCI Medical Team is aiding him in his recovery pic.twitter.com/47ufzHtLX7

— BCCI (@BCCI) May 25, 2019

Shankar’s selection in the Indian cricket team for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 saw some questions raised, notably from Ambati Rayudu who was not picked in the squad. Rayudu went further and wrote a cryptic tweet on Shankar, terming him a ‘3D’ player. However, in a show named ‘Breakfast with Champions’ hosted by Gaurav Kapoor on Youtube, Shankar defended Rayudu and said the tweet wasn’t intended at him.

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"I know for the fact that how a cricketer would feel if they are not being picked. I can understand from a player’s point of view. And I know for the fact that he didn’t mean it to me. It was just that he put that tweet for the sake of it. I can understand the situation in which he was. It is fine for any cricketer,” said Vijay Shankar answering the question about how he felt about this tweet.

The 28-year old replaced Rayudu in the squad and will bat at the no.4 spot in the marquee tournament. The reason behind his inclusion was the fact that he is a 3D player who can contribute to the team in all the three departments of the game. Shankar was first called up in the ODI side as a replacement for Hardik Pandya and is now considered as a specialist batsman who can bowl as well.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Vijay Shankar suffered an injury to his forearm on Friday.
• India will play Bangladesh after the match against New Zealand.
• India will play their first World Cup match against South Africa on June 5.