ICC Cricket World Cup: Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Fit for Selection vs South Africa, Says Indian Team Management
R Ashwin was hit by an Umesh Yadav delivery while batting at the nets in Melbourne on Wednesday. However, the Indian team management had made it clear there were no serious injury concerns.
Amid speculations that Ravichandran Ashwin and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were fitness concerns ahead of India's World Cup clash against South Africa, the team management sought to clear the air and said the duo was in line to be selected for the defending champions' crucial second tie on Sunday.
Ashwin had picked up an injury while batting in the nets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday. NDTV has learnt that the off-spinner was hit by Umesh Yadav. Ice was applied for five minutes and Ashwin batted a further 20 minutes without any sign of discomfort, according to the team doctor.
Team India's media manager had said soon after that the injury was not serious.
The 28-year-old is India's premier spinner in their quest to defend the World Cup title. He finished aith figures of 1 for 41 in the opening game against Pakistan on February 15 in Adelaide.
Bhuvneshwar, who had suffered an ankle injury before the start of the Test series against Australia and only played the last Test in Sydney where he bowled way below his best, looked out of sorts and unfit at the Junction Oval ground of St Kilda Cricket Club in Melbourne.
With Dhawal Kulkarni being kept as an additional member of the side, it seems that Bhuvneshwar's gingerly demeanour has kept the team management worried.
However, all doubts about the Uttar Pradesh all-rounder's availability were dispelled in a crisp two-line release issued by the Indian media manager.