Injured Hardik Pandya sidelined for six weeks

Team India’s injury list, which has become a source of vexation for the fans, just got another addition after all-rounder Hardik Pandya suffered a blow on his right shoulder during a training session. The Baroda lad has been subsequently released from the squad, the BCCI said in a statement.

Pandya has been advised to consult a specialist and the board is yet to name a replacement. Pandya has played 16 first-class matches, scoring 727 runs at 27.96 with a best of 90 and 22 wickets at 33.72, with a solitary five-wicket haul. He had also made his ODI and T20 debut earlier this year.

Rohit Sharma recently underwent surgery for knee problem. Shikhar Dhawan was ruled out previously with thumb injury and paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar with back strain. Lokesh Rahul has been in and out of the team after suffering from hamstring and back issues while wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha is nursing  knee staring. Rahul and Saha, however, are expected to regain fitness before the fourth Test scheduled to begin from 8 December in Mumbai.

“BCCI medical team confirms that India all-rounder Hardik Pandya sustained a blow on his right shoulder during a training session in Mohali. He has been released from the Indian Test team and will consult a specialist to decide the future course of action,” BCCI Secretary Ajay Shirke said in a release.

“Batsman KL Rahul is also released from the squad to recover from his left forearm injury. He is expected to regain his fitness for the fourth Test match of the Paytm Test series,” the release added further.

Rahul had earlier missed out two Tests and five ODIs against New Zealand after suffering a hamstring injury during the Kanpur Test match.

JUST IN: Hardik Pandya sustains a fracture in his right shoulder and is expected to be out of action for a minimum of six weeks. #INDvENG

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) November 29, 2016