IND vs ENG: Rinku Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy Ruled Out, BCCI Names Replacements

In a setback for India, lower-order batter Rinku Singh has been ruled out of the second and third T20Is in the ongoing five-match series against England due to a back spasm. Batting all-rounder Ramandeep Singh has been named as his replacement by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

"All-rounder Nitish Reddy sustained a side strain injury in the practice session on 24th January in Chennai. He is ruled out of the ongoing 5-match T20I series. Reddy will head to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for further management. Rinku Singh sustained a low back spasm while fielding in the 1st T20I against England on 22nd January. He is progressing well and the BCCI medical team is monitoring him closely. He is ruled out of the 2nd and 3rd games of the ongoing 5-match T20I series," BCCI said in a statement.

This is also a significant blow to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Rinku Singh as he had recently missed out on many opportunities to play for India. He was batting well prior to this T20I series and had been named in the playing XI for the first match at Eden Gardens, but India won by seven wickets without letting him come to bat.

For the second T20I, India will miss the services of all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was reported to be suffering from a side strain. But in his place, Shivam Dube has been named, who will join the team only before the third T20I. Ramandeep Singh is also expected to join the squad in Rajkot.

India will have to look towards their bench strength for the two key lower-order slots. Although only Washington Sundar and Dhruv Jurel had experience with match-winning from the bench, Mohammed Shami or Harshit Rana can play in place of Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Adding to the worries, Abhishek Sharma, who was the top-scorer in the first T20I, may also be out of contention. According to reports, he twisted his ankle, was in extreme pain, and missed the nets session in Chepauk before the game. If he is ruled out, India would have to make at least three changes for the second T20I.