India vs England: Rinku Singh ruled out of the 2nd and 3rd T20I due to back injury

India has been hit by unprecedented challenges right ahead of the second T20I against England. After a commendable 7-wicket win to open the five-match series at the Eden Gardens, India looked in no need of making changes to the team. However, changes have now become necessary as the hosts brace themselves for the remainder of the T20I series. A day before the second match in Chennai, it was reported that Abhishek Sharma, the star of India’s victory in Kolkata, had twisted his ankle, putting his participation in doubt. Later, another update followed, informing about the injury of Nitish Kumar Reddy. Mumbai all-rounder Shivam Dube was included in the squad as Reddy was sidelined due to a side strain. Now, yet another setback has hit the camp, as gun finisher Rinku Singh has injured his back.

India vs England: Rinku Singh picks up a lower back spasm, ruled out of 2nd and 3rd T20Is

India has been inundated with a flurry of discouraging updates, as multiple members of the T20I squad have simultaneously fallen prey to injuries. While young opener Abhishek Sharma seems to have quickly recovered from his twisted ankle, the other injuries appear more serious. Nitish Kumar Reddy has been replaced in the squad by all-rounder Shivam Dube, who recently featured for Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir. However, Dube had a forgettable outing, getting dismissed for ducks in both innings as Jammu and Kashmir clinched the match at the BKC ground.

Now, another blow to the Indian camp has surfaced right before the 2nd India vs England T20I. Rinku Singh, who was part of India’s Playing XI in the first T20I, has been ruled out of the second and third matches of the series. The finisher has reportedly sustained a back spasm and has been effectively ruled out of both games. Meanwhile, Ramandeep Singh has been called up to the Indian squad to replace Rinku for the specified timeline.

As for the 2nd T20I, India won the toss and opted to field first at the Chepauk ground. Dhruv Jurel and spin all-rounder Washington Sundar have been included in the Playing XI, as both Nitish Kumar Reddy and Rinku Singh are unavailable. A positive update, however, followed the toss, with Abhishek Sharma declared fit to play. He will open the batting alongside Sanju Samson. In the bowling department, the hosts have retained a spin-heavy lineup, with Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi maintaining their places in the combination. Meanwhile, fans will have to wait a little longer to see Mohammed Shami return to action as he continues his recovery.

Updated India squad for the T20I series against England: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Axar Patel (VC), Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shivam Dube, Ramandeep Singh.