CHENNAI, India,  CMC – Trinidad and Tobago officials are sweating over the fitness of Ravi Rampaul ahead of their crucial second match in the Champions League Twenty20 against New South Wales of Australia today at the Chepauk Stadium. The West Indies fast bowler sustained a slight groin strain, and team manager Omar Khan said he will be monitored closely overnight.
“Towards the end of practice [on Tuesday], Ravi got a little twitch in the groin area, and it is a slight groin strain,” said Khan. “Once the situation does not become worse overnight, I see no reason why Ravi can’t play. He is our main strike bowler, and we really need him for that all-important match.”
Rampaul grabbed the Man-of-the-Match award for his three wickets for 17 runs from fours in T&T first group match, a heart-breaking, one-wicket loss to Mumbai Indians on Monday in Bengaluru.
“Ravi is keen to play and wants to be out there on the park,” said Khan. “Our trainer Ronald Rogers will be looking after him closely, and will report back to the management in the morning. The injury is not as bad as was first thought, so I don’t see why Ravi can’t take his place in the team.”
T&T have emerging fast bowler Shannon Gabriel and long-standing all-rounder Rayad Emrit on the sideline to replace Rampaul, if needed.