Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Prashant Veer subbed with Shivam Sharma as serious injury replacement

Uttar Pradesh have drafted left-arm spinner Shivam Sharma into their playing XI as a Serious Injury Replacement for all-rounder Prashant Veer during their ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Elite Group C fixture against Jharkhand.

Shivam was added to the side on the second day’s morning session after the match referee received medical clearance showing that Veer’s shoulder injury, sustained on the opening day of the match, was serious enough to rule him out of the contest. This is only the second instance where the rule has been used in Ranji Trophy history since its introduction for the ongoing domestic season.

The Chennai Super Kings recruit, who suffered a right shoulder injury while diving to stop a ball in the field on the stroke of Lunch on Day 1, is expected to miss at least three weeks of action following scans that revealed a grade-2 tear. The 20-year-old has been a standout performer in Uttar Pradesh’s campaign. However, the injury has allowed for a scope of uncertainty over his participation in IPL 2026 for CSK.

Speaking of Shivam, the youngster made an immediate impact after joining the XI, bowling 18.5 overs and picking up two important wickets, including that of Jharkhand’s centurions Kumar Kushagra and Sharandeep Singh.

What is Serious Injury Replacement rule?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India introduced the Serious Injury Replacement rule this season, under which teams are allowed like-for-like replacements for players suffering serious on-field injuries, including head injuries in multi-day matches. It has now been applied for only the second time in India’s premier domestic first-class competition.

Before this, the rule was used in October 2025, when the Bengal batter Kazi Junaid Saifi came into the playing XI, replacing injured opener Sudip Chatterjee. UP will be hoping Shivam’s contribution helps steady the ship as Jharkhand look to build a commanding position, having already amassed a sizeable total by the end of the first day.