Picture Credit: IPL/BCCI
With the second leg of IPL 2021 to start in mid-September, teams are looking to keep their star players available for the tournament. However, it seems difficult for them to have everyone available for various reasons. Some foreign players will be on national duty, while some are out due to injury concerns. In a recent update, it is being learned that Royal Challengers Bangalore will have to play without their star all-rounder in the second leg of the tournament. RCB may miss the services of their frontline player Washington Sundar in the second half of the league.
Sundar has been ruled out of the England series with a finger injury, which he sustained during the three-day practice game between India and the County Select XI. He has been advised to take complete rest for one month. As per the reports, he could be rested by the BCCI and hence won't be available for the second leg of IPL in the UAE. The BCCI is looking to keep him ready for the upcoming T20 World Cup and in that regard, he may be asked not to participate in the IPL, to avoid any further aggravation to his injury.
Washington had first complained about pain in his index finger during the World Test Championship final. He was then advised by the BCCI medical team to take rest. But even after a 20-day break, Sundar continued to experience pain after joining the team in practice sessions. After feeling discomfort in the practice game, he was finally ruled out of the whole series. He will now return to Chennai and report to the National Cricket Academy soon for rehabilitation.
Sundar needs to manage his workload
Washington's injury is understood to be common among finger spinners. It generally happens due to increased workload. Thus, he needs to manage his workload in order to be completely fit for the T20 World Cup later this year. He needs adequate rest for quicker recovery. Hence, Royal Challengers Bangalore may have to play without him so that his workload is gradually increased.
Sundar has played a crucial role for RCB in the IPL. He bowls for his team in the powerplay and restricts the opposition batsmen from scoring runs freely. He is economical and provides breakthroughs at crucial junctures.