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: