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Paul Munyuki Sports Reporter
INDIA are expected in the country this evening ahead of their limited overs series against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club starting on Friday without leg-spinner Karn Sharma who is injured.

India are expected to have their first training session tomorrow.

Zimbabwe Cricket are yet to confirm if the tourists will play a warm-up match.

Initially, the Board of Control for Cricket in India had named a 15-man squad for the series that is made up of three ODIs and two T20’s but Sharma was withdrawn at the last-minute after he yesterday fractured a finger on his left hand.

Reports from India indicate that the BCCI will not be naming a replacement bowler for the injured player.

Captain Ajinkya Rahane feels India are going to feel the void left by Sharma’s absence as he felt that he was a “crucial part” of his team.

“It is unfortunate for Karn that he had to miss out because of injury, he was a crucial part of our team.

“It is not easy to select 11 players because all the players in the squad are equally important for the captain and it is really challenging to pick the best 11,” said Rahane.

In a statement BCCI confirmed the injury.

“The medical team confirms that leg-spinner Karn Sharma has been ruled out of India’s tour of Zimbabwe due to injury.

“Karn has fractured his left middle finger,” read part of the statement.

Veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and left-armer Axar Patel will be India’s leading slow bowlers.

The first Prayag Cup ODI has been set for the Friday, the second taking place on Sunday while the third and final 50-overs game is set for next Tuesday.