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Ashwin remains doubtful for Boxing Day Test: Shastri
Melbourne, Dec 23 (IANS) Indian cricket team’s head coach Ravi Shastri on Sunday said that all-rounder Hardik Pandya has attained full fitness before the third Test, starting December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), but off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin still remains doubtful.
Shastri said that a call on Ashwin, who missed the second Test at Perth due to an abdominal strain, will be taken over the next couple of days.
“As far as Ashwin is concerned, we are going to take a look and evaluate over the next 48 hours,” Shastri said.
“Rohit Sharma looks good, he has made very good improvement. But then again, we have to see how he pulls up tomorrow (on Monday). He looks good as of today. Pandya is fit,” added the coach, who was quoted as saying by the ICC website.
Pandya has made a comeback into the Indian squad, after being ruled out of the first two contests because of a back injury.
Talking on Pandya, Shastri said: “He hasn’t played much first-class cricket though, he has played just one game after the injury. We have to be careful before we actually decide on whether he plays or not.”
Meanwhile, as the openers (Murali Vijay and KL Rahul) have struggled to accumulate runs beside failing to give a perfect start, the chief coach admitted it was a matter of concern for the team management.
“It’s a big concern. That responsibility, that accountability has to be taken by the top order. They have got the experience, they have got the exposure over the last few years,” expressed Shastri.
Also, India’s decision to play with an all-pace bowling attack in the second Test didn’t click as they missed a specialist spinner in the Perth Test and Shastri said the call was taken as Ravindra Jadeja was not fully fit for the game.
“The problem with Jaddu was that he took an injection four days after coming here. He had a stiff shoulder,” the coach said.
“So when you look at Perth, he was around 70-80 percent fit and we didn’t want to take a risk,” added Shastri.
The four-match series is currently levelled at 1-1 and the two sides will clash next here for the Boxing Day Test.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.