India Cricket News

Ankle injury rules Smith out of IPL

South Africa Test captain Graeme Smith will miss the upcoming Indian Premier League to undergo an ankle surgery, CSA said in a statement on Sunday.

Smith, who was due to play for Pune Warriors in the IPL starting on Wednesday, will undergo a surgery on his left ankle, which has been troubling him over the last two months.
Cricket South Africa informed that the decision to operate upon Smith was taken after consultation with the Board’s ankle specialist, who detected an impingement syndrome of the ankle.

“Graeme went to see CSA’s ankle specialist in Cape Town this weekend and he confirmed that the best management of the chronic pain in his ankle is surgery,” South African team manager, Mohammed Moosjee said in a statement issued by the Board.

“The recovery period after such a surgery usually takes 8-10 weeks, and he will subsequently not be able to represent Pune Warriors at the 2012 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in India.”

The surgery will be performed next Tuesday, in order to allow for sufficient recovery and rehabilitation ahead of the South Africa’s tour of England in July.
“I’m very disappointed to be missing out on the IPL this year,” Smith said.

“I was looking forward to my second season with Pune Warriors, especially after my knee set me back last season. I would like to wish them all of the best this year. I’m sure the new management and exciting new signings will be a positive boost for the side,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings opening batsman Abhinav Mukund was also ruled out of action for 10 days after he twisted his left ankle during a fielding practice session.
According to a posting on the team’s website quoting team physio Tommy Simsek and manager Russell Radhakrishnan, Mukund was given medical attention on the field and taken for a precautionary X-ray, which revealed he will be out of action for 10 days.