Is Rahmat Shah Out of the Third ODI Against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe Test Due to His Calf Injury?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rahmat Shah suffers a significant calf injury.
- He is ruled out for several weeks, impacting team strategy.
- The ACB is consulting specialists for his rehabilitation.
- Shah was pivotal in Afghanistan's batting line-up, recently scoring 4,000 ODI runs.
- The team faces critical matches against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.
New Delhi, Oct 14 (NationPress) Afghanistan’s seasoned middle-order batsman Rahmat Shah has been sidelined from the third ODI against Bangladesh and the forthcoming one-off Test against Zimbabwe due to a serious high-grade calf muscle injury he suffered during the second ODI in Abu Dhabi.
The 31-year-old right-handed batter had to retire hurt during his brief innings in the second ODI against Bangladesh, and now faces several weeks away from international cricket.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board stated, "Rahmat Shah will be out of action for several weeks following a strain to his left calf muscles while batting on October 11 during the second ODI match at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi."
The statement continued, "Team physio reports indicate that Rahmat has endured a high-grade calf tear requiring an extended rehabilitation period. The ACB medical team is consulting with overseas specialists to ensure he receives optimal care during his recovery. Updates will be provided as necessary."
During the second ODI, after sustaining the injury, Shah made a valiant effort to return to bat after Afghanistan lost their ninth wicket, but was only able to face one delivery. Team physio Nirmalan Thanabalasingam rushed to assist him, as he was unable to stand, leading to paramedics taking him off the field in a wheelchair.
Shah's absence poses a significant challenge for Afghanistan ahead of their Test match against Zimbabwe, set to commence on October 20, as well as their final ODI against Bangladesh on October 14. The ACB has yet to announce a replacement for him.
Recently, Shah achieved the milestone of becoming the first Afghan batsman to score 4,000 ODI runs and had recently contributed a vital half-century in the opening match.