India vs West Indies: Deepak Chahar ruled out of third ODI; replacement named

India won the second ODI against West Indies in Vizag to level the three-match series. The decider is set to be played on Sunday at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. However, ahead of the crucial encounter, the hosts have been dealt with a serious blow. Deepak Chahar, the in-form pace bowler, has been ruled out of the third ODI due to the lower back injury.

He felt mild pain in his lower back during the match on Wednesday. BCCI’s medical team examined him and then suggested the cricketer to take some rest in order to fully recover from the injury. Chahar has been crucial for India recently having registered the best figures for Men’s in T20Is against Bangladesh. He had also fared well in the two ODIs so far though has picked only a solitary wicket.

Navdeep Saini drafted into India squad

BCCI‘s official website confirmed the news in a statement on Thursday. Delhi fast bowler Navdeep Saini has been drafted into the squad as Deepak Chahar’s replacement for the third ODI. Saini impressed in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with his pace while playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

He was eventually picked for the T20Is against West Indies and South Africa. The pacer didn’t disappoint and went on to win the Man of the Match on his international debut. He has so far scalped six wickets in five T20 Internationals at an average of 22.83. His economy of 8.06 is a little bit on the higher side and was sidelined after the South Africa series due to injury.

But he is fit again and is expected to join the team soon ahead of the final ODI of the series. Saini might well make his ODI debut for India if the team management decides to play three seamers much like they did in Vizag. Shivam Dube is also in the wings who was dropped after an ordinary debut in Chennai.