Harleen Deol, of Gujarat Giants, has been forced out of the ongoing WPL 2024 due to a knee injury, according to reports from Cricpulse.
In her absence, Vidarbha batter Bharti Fulmali has been recruited as a replacement player and was spotted participating in the team’s warm-up before their first game of the Delhi leg against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Wednesday (March 6).
Deol sustained the injury to her already heavily strapped left knee while fielding in the very first over of the Giants’ match against UP Warriorz in Bengaluru – their third league encounter.
She had to leave the field immediately after limping off and hadn’t returned to action since.
Although Deol was seen in Delhi, she wasn’t in the Giants’ kit and remained on the sidelines during their game against RCB.
Additionally, Gujarat Giants are also concerned about the match fitness of their vice-captain, Sneh Rana, who has missed two consecutive games due to an undisclosed illness.
However, sources indicate that Rana has recuperated well and should be available for selection for the Giants’ upcoming fixture against defending champions Mumbai Indians on Saturday (March 9).
The Giants, who finally secured their first win with a 19-run victory over RCB, have encountered several injury setbacks this season.
Pre-tournament injuries particularly affected their pace department, with notable absences including their INR 2 crore acquisition and uncapped fast-bowling sensation Kashvee Gautam.
Furthermore, Australia’s Lauren Cheatle had to withdraw from WPL 2024 after undergoing a medical procedure for the removal of skin cancer on her neck.
As replacements, Giants brought in New Zealand pace veteran Lea Tahuhu for Cheatle and Mumbai’s Sayali Sathgare for Gautam.
After initially enduring a four-game losing streak, the Giants finally turned their fortunes around with a convincing victory over RCB.
Despite this win, they still occupy the bottom position in the five-team table led by captain Beth Mooney.
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