India call up Yadav for injured Kumar

(AFP)

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — India have been given permission to bring in Umesh Yadav as a replacement player at the World Twenty20 after pace bowler Praveen Kumar was forced out with a side strain.

But just how much of a role, if any, the uncapped Yadav will have in the Caribbean is doubtful.

India are on the brink of elimination from the World Twenty20, after losing to the West Indies by 14 runs here on Sunday.

Even if they beat Sri Lanka in their final second round Super Eights match in St Lucia on Tuesday, India will need other results to go their way if they are to reach the semi-finals.

Once replaced, a player cannot return, so Kumar's time at the World Twenty20 is at an end.

The 22-year-old Yadav has not represented India at international level. He has so far played 11 first-class matches, taking 42 wickets.