India all-rounder set to replace Axar Patel for Asia Cup 2023 final – Reports
Axar Patel (Image Credit: Twitter)
India all-rounder Axar Patel sustained a few blows during the last Super Four game between India and Bangladesh. During the Men In Blue’s chase, he was hit on either hand one by one. Also, Patel’s thigh was strapped due to cramps although he carried on bat till he got out in the penultimate over of the game. Meanwhile, the seven-time winners are set to play in the final against the defending champions.
Ahead of the game, Washington Sundar has been named as cover for the Delhi Capitals player in the IPL as reported by Cricbuzz. The former is already part of the Asian Games Cricket competition team in China. He is in Bengaluru for a camp for the same tournament. After the summit clash on September 17, Sundar is expected to rejoin the squad for the tournament. In this competition, India will start their campaign with a quarterfinal.
While the tournament’s schedule is yet to be announced, it will be played in a format similar to the Knockout Trophy in 1998 and 2000. Meanwhile, the left-hander, Sundar last played for his national side in January this year. Since then, he played a few games in the IPL before being ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Since India’s tour of England 2021, the Tamil Nadu player has been troubled by injuries.
Two years back, he got hit on one of his thumbs by Mohammed Siraj in a practice game. The injury kept troubling him in patches till last year. Meanwhile, if Patel is ruled out of the final, Washington might come in handy as he is a spin-bowling all-rounder against Sri Lanka. India is looking to regain the title while the Lankan Lions are looking to defend it.
