The Rajasthan Royals skipper, Shane Warne is a doubtful starter for his team’s crucial Indian Premier League game against Sahara Pune Warriors India, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday, as the legendary Australian spinner is struggling with a swollen knee.
The Rajasthan skipper was seen testing the fitness of his knees during a practice session on the eve of the match. When asked about the strength of his knees, the spin prodigy conceded that his left knee was inflamed and he would take the final decision in this regard on Sunday morning.
“Yes it is still swollen. Cartilage of my left knee is inflamed. There is swelling and I will have another look at it in the morning,” Warne told the reporters at the pre-match media conference.
Giving the details of his swollen knee, the 41-year-old Victoria bowler said that he had picked up the injury while fielding in their convincing seven-wicket win over table toppers, Mumbai Indians, on Friday. He however, was hopeful that he would be fit to play against Pune tomorrow.
“My knee got stuck when I dived for the ball while fielding yesterday,” said Warne. “I have had three operations on that knee. I have been icing it and I will use more ice packs. Hope I can be fit for the match against Pune.”
Ashok Menaria, the Rajasthan Royals all-rounder, however, dismissed any fears about Warne's availability for Sunday's match.
“There is nothing wrong with Shane and he is out for the practice,” said the 20-year-old left arm spinner when asked about the condition of his captain’s injured knee.
Sources inside the Rajasthan team have also claimed that even a less than hundred percent fit Shane Warne would be part of the playing eleven against Sahara Pune Warriors tomorrow.
With nine points from 8 games, the Rajasthan based franchise currently stands at number three. A victory against Pune would take them to the top of the table with 11 points, just ahead of current table toppers, Mumbai Indians, who have 10 points from seven games.
