After opener Shikhar Dhawan was ruled out of the tournament and pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a few matches, the Indian camp suffered another injury scary as all-rounder Vijay Shankar was hit during a rain-affected training session in Southampton.
Hit on the toe by a Jasprit Bumrah yorker on Wednesday, 19 June, the 28-year-old Shankar was forced to skip the net session the following day.
However, a team source informed PTI that there's nothing to worry as of now.
"Yes, Vijay was in pain but it has subsided by the evening. Hopefully, there's nothing scary," the source said.
When Bumrah, whose lethal delivery injured Shankar, was asked if he would like to go a bit easy on his team's batsmen at the nets, his reply was a typical fast bowler's one.
“We don’t obviously want to injure the batsman. Sometimes, when you play in the nets, nobody tells the batsmen not to hit. So, they hit as well. It was unfortunate that he (Shankar) got hit. This is part and parcel of the game. But he is okay, he is fine.”Jasprit Bumrah on Vijay Shankar
On Thursday, Shankar was seen walking around in slippers with a slight limp. Later he tried jogging wearing gym trainers but gave up after half a lap.
He then did some basic exercises as others took part in usual fielding drills as well as net sessions.
Shankar is one of the designated No 4 batsmen in the Indian line-up although he is being used as a floater.
Shankar is also a handy medium pacer who got a couple important wickets against Pakistan including skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed.
With Shikhar Dhawan already ruled out of the tournament due to thumb fracture and Bhuvneshwar Kumar out for two games due to hamstring strain, Shankar's injury will only increase tension for the team management.
As of now Bhuvneshwar will not be bowling for eight days and will only be in contention for the England game (30 June) in Birmingham.
The team management, just like in Dhawan's case, is confident that Bhuvneshwar will be available during the business end of the tournament.
While the team management and the BCCI dilli dallied in giving a proper picture with regards to Dhawan's injury, they are still maintaining that it is a left hamstring stiffness and not a tear for Bhuvneshwar.
In case of hamstring tear, there will be very little chance of comeback for Bhuvneshwar in the World Cup.
Bhuvneshwar was also seen doing a bit of short strides and jogging but didn't take part in the nets.
While Khaleel Ahmed, the stand-by pacer is with the team, in worst case scenario if Bhuvneshwar has to be replaced, the team management can fall back on veteran Ishant Sharma as he is also on the list.
Bumrah expressed his sadness about Dhawan's injury that ended his World Cup but at the same time insisted that it's time to move on as Rahul is doing a good job as an opener.
“He (Dhawan) is an important member and has been doing so well for so many years. Especially in ICC tournaments, his record is so good. It’s unfortunate incident that happened but you have to move forward and keep going.”Jasprit Bumrah on Shikhar Dhawan
He said that Rahul's adaptability gives the team confidence even in crisis situations.
“It shows his ability to adjust according to any given situation. He was playing No 4 as well and he adapted. Against Australia, he got a few balls, but he hit those balls well.”Jasprit Bumrah on KL Rahul
"So, he can adjust according to the situation. He can accelerate. So, it doesn't give us headache if we are facing any injury," said Bumrah.
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