#IPL2017: Ravichandran Ashwin becomes latest high-profile cricketer to be ruled out of tournament

New Delhi: India's spin linchpin, Ravichandran Ashwin on Friday became the latest high-profile cricketer to be ruled out of the tenth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to injury.

According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, Ashwin is set to miss the tournament due to a sports hernia. The Chennai offie will soon begin habilitation.

India's star offie, who played a crucial role in India's sensational home run, was one of India's biggest heroes against all opponents in the 13 matches Virat Kohli's men played at home. Ashwin picked 82 wickets from those matches against New Zealand, England, Bangladesh and Australia.

Earlier, Lokesh Rahul, who represents Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the tournament, was ruled out of the cash-rich tournament due to a shoulder injury. Meanwhile, fellow Test opener Murali Vijay is suffering from dodgy shoulders, will miss the entire tournament while skipper Virat Kohli and speedster Umesh Yadav are set to skip a few matches for their respective franchises RCB and Kolkata Knight Riders.

The long home season seems to have taken its toll on Indian cricketers and with ICC Champions Trophy set to kick off from June 1, the Indian think tank would want most of its senior players to get ample rest before the prestigious tournament.

Ashwin, a key member of the Indian team across all formats, will be required 100 percent fit during the upcoming Champions Trophy starting June 1. The 30-year-old all-rounder has featured in all the 13 home Test matches this season, handling unbelievable workload of bowling close to 750 overs. He has taken an astounding 81 wickets this season, highest by any Indian bowler, and also contributed handsomely in bulk of India's 10 Test victories. 

(With PTI inputs)