IND vs SL | Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of T20I series, Mayank Agarwal named as replacement

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed on Friday (25 Feb) that Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the ongoing two-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. 

Gaikwad, who first complained of pain in his right wrist on Thursday, sat out of the playing XI in the previous game because of the issue. The MRI scan revealed the nature of the injury and confirmed Gaikwad's ruling-out from the remainder of the series.

"He had complained of pain in his right wrist joint ahead of the first T20I in Lucknow on Thursday and was examined by the BCCI Medical Team," BCCI released an official statement.

As a part of rehab, the 25-year-old will now spend his time at the National Cricket Academy, Bangalore.

"An MRI scan was later conducted followed by a specialist consultation. Ruturaj will now head to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for further management of his injury.

Mayank Agarwal, who has been a regular member of India in the Tests has been announced as Ruturaj's replacement for the remaining two matches of the series. The Karnataka-born batter has been notching up runs consistently for his IPL franchise Punjab Kings in the last few seasons.

"The All-India Senior Selection Committee has added Mayank Agarwal to India's squad for the remaining two T20Is. Mayank has joined the team in Dharamsala," the press release informed.

For Ruturaj, it has been a very tough month. He would have made his ODI debut against West Indies had he not contracted COVID-19 again. Now a wrist injury deprives him of limited opportunities, which he would have received in the ongoing Sri Lanka series.