India's premier T20 fast bowler Harshal Patel has been reportedly ruled out of the upcoming Asia Cup 2022, commencing later this month in the UAE after sustaining a side strain.
As per reports of Cricbuzz, the 31-year-old is also doubtful for the 2022 edition of the T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played in Australia in October-November later this year.
"Harshal Patel is set to miss the Asia Cup and could be a doubtful starter for the upcoming T20 World Cup. He is learnt to be suffering from a side strain and cannot be considered in the squad for the continental championship, the team for which will be announced on Monday," a Cricbuzz report read.
The Ahmedabad-born is currently in Lauderhill, Florida, with team India for the five-match T20I series against West Indies. However, owing to his rib injury, he hasn't featured in any of the four T20I.
The right-arm pacer is expected to take five to six weeks to complete his rehab and rest, which implies he will not only miss the Asia Cup 2022, but his participation in T20 World Cup 2022 will also come in jeopardy.
Harshal's injury will serve as a blessing in disguise for the young left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who has outperformed on all the occasions for team India. The Indian management could look at the 23-year-old as the senior pro's replacement.
Meanwhile, India are set to announce the squad for Asia Cup 2022 on Monday, August 8. It is going to be interesting who all will book their seats for the upcoming multination tournament as the Men in Blue have a lot of combinations to play with.
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