Andhra skipper Mohammad Kaif has fractured one of his fingers and is undergoing treatment before the start of the crucial quarterfinal match against Maharashtra at Lahli on Monday.
The news of Kaif’s injury came as a shocker to those following the fortunes of the team that made grade after six years of toil.
Kaif, standing in the slip cordon, could not latch on to a sharp catch offered by Goa opener and skipper Swapnil Asnodkar off Kakani Harish in the second innings.
“He is known for his grittiness. He is hopeful of recovery and even otherwise he is keen on playing. I am keeping fingers crossed,” said M.S.K. Prasad, Andhra Cricket Association director (cricket operations), on Wednesday. — Special Correspondent