- Star pacer Jaydev Unadkat incurs shoulder injury during IPL 2023
- India already without key players like Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah
- India’s WTC final preparations hampered by injuries and setbacks
The Indian cricket team has been dealt a major blow ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC 2023) final against Australia next month. One of their star pacers, Jaydev Unadkat, incurred a shoulder injury during the ongoing IPL 2023. The injury occurred during a practice session for the Lucknow Super Giants’ IPL 2023 match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The footage showed Unadkat tripping on his bowling arm while practising at the nets, resulting in the injury.
Unadkat was immediately aided with an ice pack by the team physio, although the extent of the injury is yet to be officially announced by the LSG management. If Unadkat is ruled out of the WTC final, it would be a massive blow to India’s preparations, especially with another fast bowler, Umesh Yadav, also facing an injury concern after missing the Kolkata Knight Riders’ last game.
India’s remaining fast bowling unit consists of Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj. However, the Indian team management has two pacers in their five-member stand-by list for the WTC final, including Navdeep Saini and Mukesh Kumar, and one of them could be slotted in if needed.
The absence of Unadkat, along with key players like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and Jasprit Bumrah, could seriously hamper India’s chances of winning the WTC final against Australia at The Oval. The Indian team management will be keeping a close eye on Unadkat’s condition in the coming days and will decide whether or not he will be fit to play in the all-important match.
India will be aiming to win the WTC trophy for the second time after losing to New Zealand in the final at Lord’s by eight wickets during the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2021. Australia, on the other hand, reached their maiden final in the WTC in the 2021/2023 cycle.
The Indian team has been preparing hard for the WTC final, and the injury to Unadkat has come as a major setback. The Indian fans will be hoping that the fast bowler recovers in time to take part in the crucial match against Australia.
Also, see:
Which type of ball will be used in WTC 2023 final?
