Deepak Chahar ruled out of the South Africa ODI series with a twisted ankle

It seems that Team India’s tryst with injuries has no intentions of ending soon as there was a new addition to this list and sadly that was a big one of Deepak Chahar, the man who is among the contenders to replace Jasprit Bumrah in the Indian T20 World Cup squad.

Deepak Chahar sustained a twisted ankle during a training session in the ongoing ODI series against the Proteas that has ruled him out of the remainder of the series.

Chahar was not included in the series opener where India bowed to the South Africans by 9 runs after a valiant showdown in the end from Sanju Samson. A source that is close to the selection panel revealed to PTI, “Deepak has sustained a twisted ankle but it's not too serious. However a few days of rest might be advisable”.

It was further added, “So it will be team management's call if they would like to risk Deepak as he is in T20 World Cup stand-by list. In any case, if there is requirement there, it would be a priority."

Even though nothing has been confirmed, Mohammed Shami is rumoured to be the leading contender to replace Bumrah. However, there are a couple of more names that have come out include Deepak Chahar and Mohammed Siraj.

The source also added, “Mohammed Shami, if fit, was always going to be the first replacement as that's the closest Indian team can get in terms of sheer quality. He will be joining some time next week.”

Washington Sundar has been called up to the national squad to replace Deepak Chahar. Sundar was also a part of the Indian squad for the ODI series against Zimbabwe, but was sidelined just ahead of the series. This will be the first time the former RCB all-rounder will be featuring in international cricket since his last game against West Indies at Ahmedabad on 11th February, 2022.