Washington Sundar Replaces Injured Axar Patel For Asia Cup Final, BCCI Offer Worrying Update Ahead of ODI World Cup

India’s star all-rounder Axar Patel has picked up multiple injuries with just three weeks remaining ahead of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Axar has been replaced by Washington Sundar in India’s squad ahead of the Asia Cup 2023 final against Sri Lanka but Axar’s injuries could be a major blow for the Men in Blue.

Axar scored 42 runs against Bangladesh but couldn’t help his side avoid a defeat by 6 runs. Before his dismissal, the 29-year-old was hit on his arm by a throw from one of the fielders from the deep.

According to the statement from BCCI, Axar has sustained a strain on his left quadriceps during the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 clash against Bangladesh on Friday.

“Mr. Axar Patel has been ruled out of the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka due to a left quadriceps strain sustained during India’s Super Four match against Bangladesh on Friday,” read the release.

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“The Men’s Selection Committee has named Mr Washington Sundar as a replacement. The all-rounder arrived in Colombo this evening and has joined the squad,” it informed further.

According to a report in PTI, a source close to the developments revealed that Axar has sustained multiple injuries, including a hamstring niggle.

Axar is currently suffering from multiple injuries. He has hurt his little finger, got hit on forearm by a throw from deep and most importantly has developed a hamstring niggle. So Washington has been called,” a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

More than the swelling on his forearm, it is Axar’s hamstring issue which will keep the Indian team management worried with just three weeks to go for the World Cup.

Sundar meanwhile last played an ODI game earlier in January 2023 and is likely to provide cover for Ravindra Jadeja. However, if Axar’s injuries are serious, then Sundar might get a late call-up into the squad.

BCCI have already named their 15-man squad for the ODI World Cup, but changes can be made to the roster until the September 28 deadline.

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Sundar was due to participate in the Hangzhou Asian Games for India but has been included in the Asia Cup squad as a last-minute backup.

India’s squad for Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya (VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar