Team India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has suffered an injury scare ahead of the Duleep Trophy, starting September 5, after injuring his hand while representing Mumbai in the Buchi Babu invitational tournament in Tamil Nadu.
Suryakumar batted in the first innings against TNCA XI in Coimbatore, posting 30, but was absent hurt in the second innings. The reason for the 33-year-old not walking out to bat in the second innings is believed to be a hand injury he picked up while fielding.
The extent of the injury is unknown, but the development could prove to be a major blow for the Test ambitions of the right-hander, who is slated to play in the forthcoming Duleep Trophy. Suryakumar has been picked in the India ‘D’ team in the Duleep Trophy, which will be captained by Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Suryakumar last played Test cricket for India in February 2023 in the Border-Gavaskar Test series against Australia and has been a white-ball specialist for the past 18 months.
But recently, the right-hander asserted that he still very much dreams of representing India in the whites again.
"There are a lot of people who have worked really hard to earn their place, and I even want to earn that spot again," Suryakumar said in Coimbatore on the sidelines of the Buchi Babu Invitational tournament.
"I made my debut for India in Tests. After that, I got injured as well. There were a lot of people who got an opportunity and have done well, too. They deserve that opportunity right now.
"Going forward, if I have to play, then I will automatically play. That's not in my control. What's in my power right now is to play the Buchi Babu tournament, play the Duleep Trophy and then see what happens. But yes, I'm really looking forward. There are 10 Test matches lined up, and I'm obviously excited for some red-ball fun."
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