The long, gruelling home season is taking its toll. Star off-spinning all-rounder R. Ashwin is almost certain to miss the entire 10th edition of the Indian Premier League starting April 5.
Ashwin, who is grappling with sports hernia, has been advised rest and rehabilitation by the BCCI. Sports hernia is a soft tissue injury – usually a strain or a tear - that occurs in the lower abdomen or the groin area.
The indications are that Ashwin will be fit to represent India in the ICC Champions Trophy in England, beginning June 1. India will be defending its title in the competition.
Murali Vijay also doubtful
India opener M. Vijay is also a doubtful starter for the Twenty20 competition with shoulder and wrist injuries. India captain Virat Kohli has already been ruled out of the first two weeks in the IPL due to a concern in his right shoulder.
Given that India figured in as many as 13 homes Tests — against New Zealand,Bangladesh, England and Australia — the schedule put the cricketers under a lot of stress. They have had to cope with major workload issues. And the tough four-Test series againstAustralia made enormous physical and mental demands on the cricketers.
READ: Jadeja, Yadav set to skip first two weeks of IPL
The 30-year-old Ashwin represents Rising Pune Supergiant in the IPL. At the peak of his career now, he scalped a world record 82 Test batsmen in a single season. Ashwin will be missed by his franchise.
In fact, Ashwin skipped Tamil Nadu’s Ranji Trophy quarterfinal and semifinal matches – that followed the Test series against England — because of the same injury.
READ: Rahul to miss IPL due to shoulder injury
Even as he took part in the Test series against Australia, Ashwin received treatment to prevent sports hernia from flaring up again. During the seemingly never-ending season, Ashwin sent down a massive 738.2 overs. There were times when he bowled in pain.
All the cricketers taking part in the IPL are insured against injuries and players. Those who have suffered injuries while representing India will be further compensated by the BCCI.
Vijay injured his shoulder while fielding in the final Test against England in Chennai. Like Ashwin, he too was forced to miss Tamil Nadu’s knockout games in the Ranji Trophy.
Then, Vijay was forced to pull out of the second Test against Australia in Bengaluru. He returned for the final two Tests. The resolute Test opener, who has had a fair share of success in the hectic world of Twenty20 cricket, will turn out for Kings XI Punjab in the IPL.
Meanwhile, given that Kohli will be missing in action, at least for the first five or six games, Royal Challengers Bangalore has called up young Tamil Nadu wicket-keeper batsman N. Jagadeesan for trials on Sunday in Bengaluru.
The 21-year Jagadeesan, an attractive strokemaker who can play as a specialist batsman as well, notched up a century for Tamil Nadu against Madhya Pradesh on his Ranji debut. Then, he ran up three successive half-centuries in the Deodhar Trophy as Tamil Nadu triumphed.
In the TNPL, Jagadeesan made headlines. With several marquee Indian names pulling out, many youngsters could receive an opportunity to shine in the IPL.
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