Axar Patel Ruled Out of Asia Cup Final; EX-RCB Star Draft in as Replacement
Axar Patel ruled out of Asia Cup [AP Photo]
In the latest development coming from Sri Lanka, Axar Patel is likely to be ruled out of the Asia Cup due to a hamstring injury. The all-rounder suffered the injury during the Super 4 match against Bangladesh, and has certainly been ruled out of the all-important clash.
Washington Sundar has been drafted in as his replacement, and he will fly to Colombo on Saturday (Today) to join the rest of the Indian team.
The extent of the injury is still unknown, and as a result, Team India have quickly called in a backup.
Sundar, who is not a part of the India World Cup squad, but has been added in the squad for the Asian Games 2023 in China.
A camp has been organised for the Asian Games bound players in Bengaluru, and Sundar will fly back to attend the camp, once the final gets over on Sunday.
The 23-year-old last played an ODI for India in January this year, and can come in as a handy player, if given a chance in the final.
Talking about Axar, he played a handy knock of 42 runs in the last Super 4 match against Bangladesh, but that wasn’t enough as the Indian team lost the match by 6 runs. The left-arm spinner had crucial partnerships, first with Shubman Gill and later on with Shardul Thakur as he kept the hopes alive for a win.
The injury has also hit the Sri Lankan camp, with spinner Maheesh Theekshana, set to miss the Asia Cup final due to a right hamstring injury. Sahan Arachchige has been called in as a replacement player.
The India vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup final will take place from the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
 "Anurag Dasgupta")
