India's Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has been ruled out of the second Test against New Zealand in Mumbai with a minor left hamstring strain which he had incurred while fielding on the final day of the opening Test in Kanpur. Following the announcement by BCCI on Friday morning, Twitter had a field day with hilarious 'behind the scenes of Rahane injury' posts hinting at conspiracy theories.
"Ajinkya Rahane sustained a minor left hamstring strain while fielding on the final day of the 1st Test match in Kanpur. Since he has not recovered completely, he has been ruled out of the 2nd Test in Mumbai. His progress will be closely monitored by the BCCI Medical team," the board's statement read.
Here is how Twitter reacted after the news was announced…
The primary reason behind such reactions might be owing to Rahane's poor return with the bat. He scored 35 and 4 in the Kanpur Test which reduced his career batting average to 39.01, the lowest he has recorded since February 2014.
{{/usCountry}}The primary reason behind such reactions might be owing to Rahane's poor return with the bat. He scored 35 and 4 in the Kanpur Test which reduced his career batting average to 39.01, the lowest he has recorded since February 2014.
{{/usCountry}}Not just Rahane, India will miss the services of veteran pacer Ishant Sharma, who "dislocated his left little finger during the final day of the 1st Test match in Kanpur", while all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja "suffered a right forearm injury".
Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman was shocked at hearing the development which was announced after toss was delayed on Friday morning in Mumbai owing to damp outfield.
"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.
New Zealand, on the other hand, will be without Kane Williamson, who continues his recovery from elbow injury which had flared-up during the Kanpur Test. Tom Latham will lead New Zealand in his stead in the Mumbai Test.