Suryakumar Yadav Likely To Be Ruled Out Of Afghanistan T20I Series: Report

Following an ankle injury sustained during the recent series against South Africa, Suryakumar Yadav is poised to miss the forthcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, starting on January 11. The 31-year-old's ankle injury, which is suspected to require around six weeks to heal, will keep him out of the series.

What BCCI said?

"Surya has reported to NCA for rehab work and the Medical Science team as of now has ruled him injured. He won't be able to play against Afghanistan which starts in three weeks. Since he is unlikely to be selected for Tests, he will possibly play for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy in February to check his fitness before playing in the IPL," a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity.

Hardik Pandya -

Besides him, the chances of recovery of Hardik Pandya from his ankle injury is also very less which he sustained during World Cup 2023 while he was playing against Bangladesh.

"There is no update on Hardik's fitness status as of now and one can say there remains a big question mark of him being available before the end of IPL," the source added.

The absence of Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya from the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan has created a leadership void that the selectors may have to fill by considering Rohit Sharma as the captain or appointing Ravindra Jadeja as a buffer leader.

Other Choices -

However, Jadeja will be playing all five Tests against England and will need to manage his workload. Additionally, Ruturaj Gaikwad, the Asian Games skipper, has broken his finger and will be unavailable for the series. Ishan Kishan, who recently withdrew from the South Africa Tests due to personal reasons, may also not be available for the Afghanistan series, and Jitesh Sharma is expected to keep wickets.