#INDvWI: Shardul Thakur's Test debut cut short, know why!
What's the story
India pacer Shardul Thakur's joy was cut short after being handed his Test debut, on Friday, in the match against West Indies in Hyderabad. The right-arm pacer hobbled off the field as reports claimed he suffered a groin injury while bowling. Thakur was into his second over in the first session when the incident occurred. Here is more on the same.
Injury
Shardul suffers groin injury while bowling his second over
Thakur was bowling to Kieron Powell and after his landing, he was seen in a lot of pain. Team physio Patrick Farhart came on to the ground to check on Thakur, who felt he might be suffering from a groin problem. Thakur then hobbled off the field with the physio. R Ashwin was seen completing the over, started by Shardul.
Opportunity
Shardul sees rare opportunity go away
The 26-year-old Shardul had replaced Mohammed Shami for this game after being named in the 12-man squad yesterday. It was a rare opportunity for him to show his mettle as the Indian team next travels to Australia for four Tests. But now it remains to be seen whether he makes a return in the match and also to the squad for Australia tour.
Possibility
Shardul likely to miss out on squad for Australia tour
India will be taking at least four pacers for their Australia tour and it would be the same quartet, who travelled to South Africa earlier this year. Shardul was named in the squad for the Test series against England, but he warmed the bench in all five Tests. It remains to be seen whether he recovers in time to be available for the ODIs.
Injuries
Shardul and his injury woes
This is the second consecutive international match in where Shardul was forced off with injury. He had a poor outing against Hong Kong in India's Asia Cup 2018 opener last month. He was then sent back to India after suffering a hip injury. Today he bowled 10 deliveries and gave away 9 runs before walking off.
Concerns
There were concerns over his fitness
There were concerns over his fitness and despite that the selectors gave him a chance. And now that has backfired. He has been a back-up bowler since the last two years. Shardul has featured in 5 ODIs and 7 T20Is and his figures haven't been appealing to the eye so far, with his bowling average being on the higher side.