Twitter reacts with mixed feelings after Vijay Shankar is ruled out of the World Cup

The Indian team’s undefeated streak ended on June 30 at the hands of England and now they need to win one of their remaining games against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to make it into the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2019. However, their journey has been hampered with injuries. It started with Shikhar Dhawan, who fractured his left thumb against Australia to be ruled out of the tournament.

Team India also had to make one change to their playing XI against hosts as Rishabh Pant came in for Vijay Shankar who had injured his toe during practice as a yorker from Jasprit Bumrah hit him flush on the feet. Now it has been revealed that the injury is serious enough for him to be ruled out of the tournament. As per the BCCI’s official statement, he suffered a fracture on the left big toe which will at least need 3 weeks to heal. Shankar’s inclusion in the team made quite a noise amongst Indian cricketing circles.

Vijay Shankar was picked in the Indian World Cup squad over Ambati Rayudu for his three-dimensional abilities and he showed that ability by picking up wickets against Pakistan. KL Rahul initially batted at the no.4 spot, once Dhawan was out and Rahul moved to top, Shankar found a place in the XI. He didn’t make a lot of difference with the bat, scoring 58 runs at an average of 29 in three matches.

Prior to the England match it was speculated that the Tamil Nadu player might be dropped and then at the toss skipper Virat Kohli mentioned his injury. Shankar later was carrying drinks for the team despite the toe fracture and subsequently, the details of the damage done to his toe came out.

Now the Indian management has requested Mayank Agarwal as a replacement for the all-rounder, which has to be cleared by the ICC technical committee. It may be difficult for him to join the squad in time for the Bangladesh tie, but he may very well be available for the Sri Lanka game on July 6. Rahul had also hurt his back while fielding against England and Mayank seems to be a backup for that contingency.

Twitterati had mixed feelings on Vijay Shankar being ruled out and Agarwal’s inclusion as his replacement:

@VVSLaxman281 See it’s happened! ???? Mayank Agarwal is a great choice as replacement. https://t.co/srwILpWKxK

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) July 1, 2019

Vijay Shankar crying video expected to be released shortly this evening saying he is fit..

— SMM (@Shhy10) July 1, 2019

Vijay Shankar ruled out of World Cup. ???? This is such a sad news!#indiavsEngland #TeamIndia

— Annya ???????? (@AnnyaDasGupta33) July 1, 2019

Surely some politics on #VijayShankar exit from #CWC19 If he had toe injury, then why he used for taking drinks for the players against #England. Seems something not good in the Indian dressing room.

— Dhamu (@rdhamodharan) July 1, 2019

Toe injury ? Isse acha excuse mi mila Vijay Shankar ko bahar karna ka.

— Siddharth Aggarwal (@iamsidagg) July 1, 2019

Vijay shankar’s ruling out of the world cup seems to be deliberate.#VijayShankar

— Ashtbhuja (@ashtbhuja25) July 1, 2019

Now, this is so comic stuff
Vijayshankar out of Worldcup
Really is this injury so bad ?
I can’t believe it.#CricbuzzLIVE@bhogleharsha is it ?

— abhilash swami (@abhilashswami2) July 1, 2019

Vijay Shankar is out of WC now. What is happening!! #IndianCricketTeam

— sravan bagalkote (@serenesravan) July 1, 2019

Thank God!! Vijay Shankar is ruled out and Mayank Agarwal comes in. Clr signs that India want him to open and Rahul to play at 4. Not a bad move in my opinion. Now replace Kedar with DK. @vijayshankar260 @DineshKarthik @imVkohli @ImRo45 now maybe we can have positive middle side.

— Shivam parmar (@302shivamparmar) July 1, 2019

What is wrong with team India? Now Vijay shankar ruled out of world cup ????#WorldCup2019#india#VijayShankar

— iquote@ (@Khushivns5) July 1, 2019

News, some rejoice. Vijay Shankar ruled out of world cup. Mayank Agarwal to replace him.
Mayank and Rohit opening.
Rahul at #4
Pant at #5
Dhoni at #6
This batting order though ????????????

— The Midfield Genius ???? (@YadavYaduMS) July 1, 2019

Jasprit bumrah bowled so many toe crushers in his career

But best is the one that sent Vijay Shankar home ????

Nevertheless Vjs have time and he can bounce back ????#CWC19

— Mani Tendo (@mani_tendo) July 1, 2019

The hate for @vijayshankar260 is unreal. Guy has been rumoured to be out ‘injured’. INJURED. HE IS HURT and we have people celebrating him leaving the squad.

Team India probably had the most disgusting set of fans. Don’t bring your dirty regional politics to sports. #CWC19

— Vinod Ramnath (@NaanumEngineer) July 1, 2019

#CWC19
Dont think Vijay Shankar injury is serious, team must have forced him out…sounds harsh and is but he was never international standard any time..
Picking him for wc was utter madness of captain and selections
Mayank Agarwal in as Rahul is struggling and no alternative

— Man of Justice (@SuperGops) July 1, 2019

Oh my God but it won’t be end of the road for vj Shankar. Get well soon Come back strongly ????

— Hari Santh (@Iam_Harisanth) July 1, 2019