Manish Pandey replaces injured Yuvraj Singh

Yet another twist in the tale has seen fringe player Manish Pandey added to the squad in place of Yuvraj Singh. Yuvraj unfortunately, injured himself during the match against Australia. Although the extent of the injury is not known, it is stated that the 34-year old southpaw twisted his ankle while attempting to play a flick towards fine leg. However, despite the injury, it seemed as though Yuvraj was fit enough to continue.

He, however, lost his wicket soon after the injury courtesy of the pressure on him to play the big shots. Although it is uncertain whether he will be replaced by Ajinkya Rahane or Manish Pandey, the Indians have drafted the latter into the squad. Pandey was on the fringes of the side and had been called in for cover as the southpaw was put through a fitness test. After the fitness test reports, Manish Pandey was made a full member of the squad with Yuvraj Singh ruled out completely.

The last time Manish Pandey donned the India jersey was in the 5th and final ODI of the Indian tour down under. The 26-year old was also adjudged as the man of the match following his unbeaten knock of 104 against a ferocious Aussie pace attack. Despite the marvelous performance, Pandey wasn’t included in the Asia Cup squad while the likes of Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh were picked ahead of him.

Manish Pandey rose to fame in the T20 scene when he blasted twin centuries for his then franchise, the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Having made the move up north to the Kolkata Knight Riders, Pandey has been in fine knick. His performances in domestic tournaments, especially the Ranji Trophy has ensured that he has indeed become a fringe player for the Indian cricket team.

He joined up with the side on Monday and also attended the optional net session with Ajinkya Rahane at the Brabourne Stadium on Tuesday morning.

How is the game expected to pan out? – World T20 2nd Semi-Final Preview: Hosts India take on wounded Windies