Indian all-rounder Vijay Shankar has been ruled out of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup owing to a toe injury and will be replaced by Mayank Agarwal.

Shankar, 28, suffered a niggle ahead of India’s clash against England on Sunday and was subsequently replaced by the wicketkeeper-batsman, Rishabh Pant in the squad. Speaking about the news, a BCCI representative has confirmed that the all-rounder is travelling back home.

"Vijay got hit on the toe by a Jasprit Bumrah delivery once again. His situation is not great and he won't be able to take part in the tournament. He is going back home," a senior BCCI official told PTI. 

"The Indian team management is likely to ask for Mayank Agarwal as a replacement since he is an opener and also it might give KL Rahul a chance to get back to the No.4 position in case Rishabh Pant fails in the next two games," the source added. 

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Later, BCCI confirmed on their official website that the above change has been approved by the ICC's tournament technical committee and the Karnataka opener will fly to England to join his teammates in Leeds.

"The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Mr Mayank Agarwal as Vijay Shankar's replacement following a request from the Indian team management for a suitable top-order batsman."

Agarwal, who made his Test debut against Australia last year, is yet to represent his country in the One-Day Internationals. 

Meanwhile, it is the second time that the all-rounder has been hit by Bumrah’s delivery in training. The first incident happened soon after India’s convincing victory over Pakistan, when the 28-year-old suffered an injury scare in the nets. He, although, continued and was a part of India’s victory over Afghanistan and West Indies.

India have already lost Shikhar Dhawan to a thumb fracture. The left-handed batsman suffered the scare during India’s 36-run win over Australia on June 9 at The Oval. Although he was expected to be out for around 10-12 days, later scans revealed that the injury is much more serious than what was expected.

The team is also sweating over the fitness of their key paceman, Bhuvneshwar Kumar. But now that Mohammed Shami has been in a colossal form, Bhuvneshwar’s return will only give Virat Kohli an extra selection headache. 

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Dibyangshu Sarkar

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