KOLKATA: Italy faced a significant blow in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign as captain Wayne Madsen was forced to leave the field during their opening match against Scotland at Eden Gardens on Monday due to a shoulder injury.
The setback came in Italy’s debut appearance at a T20 World Cup. During the fourth over of Scotland’s innings, Madsen, stationed at midwicket, dived to stop a forceful pull shot from George Munsey. Unfortunately, he landed awkwardly on the practice pitches, dislocating his shoulder in the process.
Medical staff rushed to assist Madsen, who was immediately supported with a makeshift sling and taken for X-rays. The veteran batter, aged 42, is Italy’s most experienced player and is playing in his first T20 World Cup. Shoulder dislocations typically require a recovery period ranging from one to three weeks, though severe cases can extend for several months, leaving uncertainty over his participation in the remainder of the tournament.
In Madsen’s absence, all-rounder Harry Manenti stepped up as captain for the rest of Scotland’s innings. The Scots made the most of the disruption, posting a commanding total of 207-4 after being asked to bat first.
Italy now face a challenging path in the tournament. Their next fixtures include a match against Nepal in Mumbai on February 12, followed by encounters with England on February 16 and the West Indies on February 19, both in Kolkata. The team will need to regroup quickly and adapt to the leadership change as they aim to stay competitive in the group stages.
Madsen’s injury is a significant loss not only for his leadership on the field but also for Italy’s batting lineup. As the squad prepares for the upcoming matches, all eyes will be on Manenti to guide the team and on the medical team to determine Madsen’s recovery timeline.
Italy’s T20 World Cup debut had promised excitement, and this unexpected injury adds a new layer of challenge for the squad. Fans will be eagerly watching whether Madsen can return and lead the team in what is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive tournament.
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