Hazare Trophy: Mumbai sweats over Shardul, Sarfaraz’s fitness

A big defeat against Maharashtra has made things difficult for Mumbai. Having won its first four games, the domestic giant needed an outright win to storm into the knockouts of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

However, following the 128-run defeat, Mumbai’s Net Run Rate has taken a beating, and the former champion not only needs to win at least one of its two remaining games, but also better its NRR.

Moreover, ahead of the two crucial games — against Himachal Pradesh and Punjab — the side sweats over the fitness of its captain Shardul Thakur, who underwent a scan on Saturday, following a calf injury.

While sources indicate that the seam-bowling all-rounder remains doubtful for Tuesday’s game against Himachal, there are fitness concerns for Sarfaraz Khan, too. The middle-order batter missed the game against Maharashtra after experiencing pain in quadriceps, and also underwent scans.

After bowling nearly seven overs against Maharashtra, Shardul limped off the ground, and even though he walked out to bat later in the day, the 34-year-old looked uncomfortable and lasted just five deliveries.

Sources told The Hindu that he has been advised to rest by the doctors. But even if he misses the game against Himachal, Shardul will stay back in Jaipur and will be monitored regularly by the team doctors.

Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube will be available for the next couple of games.