'But Kohli said nothing about it': Laxman shocked at India's injury blows; names Rahane, Ishant, Jadeja's replacements
Batting legend VVS Laxman expressed surprise over the news that the trio of Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja and Ishant Sharma have been injured and will take no part in the second Test between India and New Zealand at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.
Batting legend VVS Laxman expressed surprise over the news that the trio of Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja and Ishant Sharma have been injured and will take no part in the second Test between India and New Zealand at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. Laxman feels the development has to have taken place on the morning of the first day since captain Virat Kohli said nothing about it during the press conference on the eve of the Test match.
"Did something happen this morning? But Virat Kohli said nothing about in the press conference yesterday. It is obviously a big blow. Jadeja was injured in that England series and Axar Patel came in and he was named Player of the Series," Laxman said on Byju's Cricket Live on Star Sports.
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"The way he bowled was just fantastic to see. And then you saw Shreyas Iyer, who came in place of Virat Kohli. He straightaway stamped his authority under tremendous pressure. So I guess India have got very good players who can replace players who are missing due to injuries."
The former India batter feels the injury woes make things easier for captain Kohli, for whom picking India's XI shall become easier. Laxman named replacements for Rahane and Ishant, but feels it remains to be seen as to who replaces all-rounder Jadeja with a stacked squad of 15 to pick from.
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"It goes without saying that Mayank Agarwal might continue to play. There is no reason to change the batting line-up. Virat Kohli will come in place of Ajinkya Rahane. Obviously Siraj will come in place of Ishant Sharma but who will replace Ravindra Jadeja? Will it be an extra spinner because we know Jayant Yadav is in the squad, or will it be a fast bowler to a batter to strengthen the batting. We will have to wait and see," informed Laxman.
