India lose Yuvraj Singh for World Twenty20 semi-final as Manish Pandey is called up
By Mike Patterson
Last Updated: 31/03/16 1:43pm
India will be without all-rounder Yuvraj Singh when they take on West Indies in the semi-finals of the ICC World Twenty20 in Mumbai on Thursday.
Yuvraj, 34, has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament after twisting his ankle while batting during Sunday's six-wicket victory over Australia that secured India's place in the last four
"It will have an impact, because he has had his moments," said India team director Ravi Shastri.
"Unfortunately, it is an injury that happened during the game, when he was taking off and did his ankle a bit and I believe it is a minor tear. We will miss him."
Yuvraj, who scored 21 against Australia in Mohali, has been replaced in the hosts' squad by middle-order batsman Manish Pandey.
The 26-year-old could now feature against 2012 champions West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium, although Ajinkya Rahane is also in contention for a starting berth.
Pandey has played four one-day internationals for India but just two T20 internationals in which he scored a total of 19 runs.
His last competitive game was in January when he scored an unbeaten 104 in an ODI against Australia.
Shastri has challenged his team's batsmen to step up to the plate against the West Indies as, with the exception of Virat Kohli, they have struggled to make an impact so far.
"You need a performance in a big game like the semi-finals," Shastri said. "I still believe we have played to 70 per cent of our ability in this tournament so there's 30 per cent where we can improve.
"So let's hope it happens because in a semi-final you have to get your 'A' game.
"You can't depend on one or two players, you need six to seven players to step up. It has not happened really in this tournament, let's hope this is a start.
"West Indies are one of the most dangerous sides in this format. They have got explosive players. They have got match winners. So we know what we are up against. But we are up and ready as well."