Hardik Pandya ruled out of Asia Cup

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the ongoing Asia Cup with an acute back injury and will be sent back home to India for further treatment.

Young pacer Deepak Chahar, who recently represented Chennai Super Kings and India A, has been called in as replacement for Pandya.

Hardik Pandya not taking further part in the tournament was expected after he was stretchered off the field during the group league encounter against Pakistan on Wednesday.

The incident took place in the 18th over of the Pakistan innings when the all-rounder was bowling his fifth over. It was the fifth delivery and Pandya, after completing the follow through, immediately felt his lower back and lay on the ground in considerable pain.

He was unable to get up and was stretchered off. He was then taken for medical examination immediately in Dubai.