San Francisco:Star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been ruled out of the ongoing Major League Cricket (MLC). His team San Francisco Unicorns has already confirmed the development, stating that the off-spinner suffered an injury to his right knee. Notably, it is a massive blow to the side, who are currently at the top of the table and will enter the business end of the tournament without one of their star players.
Meanwhile, the franchise has confirmed Australian seam bowler Peter Siddle will replace
inside the team. The veteran has already played for the Unicorns this season, deputising for Xavier Bartlett and Aaron Hardie, and has impressed with the ball in those outings.
Ashwin departs having played a limited role on the field in this year’s competition. The former India international featured in only one match, against Texas Super Kings in Dallas on June 20, ending with figures of 0 for 24 in two overs.
“I’m disappointed to end the season early but unfortunately this injury means that is the right decision. I've enjoyed my time with the San Francisco Unicorns and will be rooting for the boys throughout the tournament. “Thank you to my teammates, the coaching staff, everyone across the San Francisco Unicorns organisation and all the Unicorns fans for your incredible support,” Ashwin said in a statement released by the franchise.
San Francisco have stuck with a spin attack led by captain Matt Short, who has taken over as the side's leading wicket-taker this season in the absence of Ashwin. He has shared the bowling chores with rookie wrist-spinner Anirudh Immanuel and left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Hassan Khan.
The Unicorns are still in a good position, despite Ashwin missing most of the campaign. They sit atop the points table having won five of their eight outings so far.
What’s next for Ashwin?Ashwin will now be expected to focus on his next cricketing assignment later this year. He will lead the Dublin Guardians and steer them in the inaugural edition of the European T20 Premier League. The six-team tournament will be held in Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands from August 26 to September 20.
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