Ravichandran Ashwin, who sustained a left shoulder injury during Delhi Capitals’ 2020 IPL opener against Kings XI Punjab on September 20, is doubtful for the franchise’s second game against Chennai Super Kings in Dubai on Friday.
“Ashwin is going to practice today and we have not received a call yet whether or not he will be available for tomorrow’s game. We will see how the practice goes. We are monitoring it very closely. But yes, if he is not fit to play tomorrow, we have Amit Mishra who is a very experienced player. He has done well in IPL. So yeah, that’s a plus on this team that we have a replacement ready, “DC Capitals assistant coach Mohammed Kaif said in a video conference Thursday.
The veteran spinner, who chose two terrains to pitch, had dived to save a shot from Glenn Maxwell and injured his left shoulder in the process. Ashwin looked sore after landing awkwardly. He was seen coming off the ground with team physio Patrick Farhart with his left arm in a makeshift sling.
“I was in pain when I left the field last night, but the pain has subsided and the scan reports are also quite encouraging. Thank you for all your love and support, ”Ashwin had tweeted a day after the game.
Long list of injuries
“Soft tissue injuries will happen a lot because after a long break the players are coming back. They are trying to do their best on the sandy grounds, which is not easy. We are not accustomed. The body is not used to it. It’s totally different. It’s a big terrain (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) so there are a lot of races involved that probably won’t match in the training session. Training consists of batting, bowling, playing a little. But the intensity is not as much as on game day, so I think it will be difficult for the players this season, ”said Kaif, when asked if special precautions should be taken on UAE grounds.
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Ashwin is no exception. So far Nathan Coulter-Nile Royal of the Mumbai Indians and Chris Morris of the Challengers Bangalore have suffered from lateral tension even before playing a match. Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Kane Williamson injured his quadriceps while training, while his teammate Mitchell Marsh has also been ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury. Chennai Super Kings’ Ambati Rayudu has suffered a hamstring injury. His teammate Dwayne Bravo arrived from the Caribbean Premier League with a knee injury.
In the field of the Delhi capitals too, apart from Ashwin, there is another concern about injuries. Fast bowler Ishant complained of pain in his back before his first match against KXIP.
“Ishant had gone to the ground yesterday. She had a good run. He did not launch. It is under observation. Regarding his game against CSK, we will receive a call after the practice session (today) on Thursday, ”added Kaif.
The former Indian cricketer added that special focus should be put while playing as most cricketers come back after a long break. “Consciousness is necessary. It is a big lot (Dubai and Abu Dhabi). Lots of career involved. Lots of sprinting involved. When you play on the big fields you have to cut those angles. That will be the big factor. You have to be agile, ”Kaif said.
“Over the last seven or 10 days there has been a change in the weather here. In the afternoon, around 6 to 7 pm, there is a lot of dew on the ground. At the Dubai stadium, the dew was not so much. On the ICC Academy grounds, where we practice, there is more dew as it is an open area. The field on land is getting tough. When the ball gets wet and heavy, it is difficult for the players. You have to take care that the players are not injured by the hard training. Fielding is something that takes time to adjust to after a break. ”
Kaif added that the IPL may see more important scores as the tournament progresses. “I think the even score is 160-170 for Abu Dhabi and Dubai, where the ground is big. Of course, for Sharjah it is more. But the players are rusty now. As they become established, the even score can become 180-90, ”he said.
DC started their campaign with a victory against KXIP, while CSK won their first game against Mumbai Indian. However, they lost to the Rajasthan Royals in the second game.
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