Washington Sundar Called Up as Cover for Injured Axar Patel Ahead of Asia Cup Final
In a last-minute shuffle, Washington Sundar is set to join the Indian cricket squad in Colombo for the highly anticipated Asia Cup final clash against Sri Lanka. The move comes as a contingency plan to cover for Axar Patel, who sustained injuries during the Super Four match against Bangladesh. It’s believed that Axar’s injury resulted from a powerful throw that struck his elbow. The severity of his condition will become clearer upon receiving the results of a recent scan, but the likelihood of him missing the Sunday final looms large.
While the absence of Axar Patel may cast a shadow over the Asia Cup final, there is a sense of optimism that he will not only recover in time for the impending World Cup but also be fit for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, which is scheduled to commence on September 22.
Washington Sundar, a versatile 23-year-old player, is currently part of India’s Asian Games squad, stationed in Bengaluru. His role as cover for Axar Patel in the Asia Cup final is seen as a temporary diversion from his Asian Games commitments. The Asian Games camp runs until September 23 before the games kick off in Hangzhou, China.
Axar Patel made a significant impact in the Super Four match against Bangladesh, contributing 42 runs off 34 deliveries, including three boundaries and two sixes. His partnerships with Shubman Gill and Shardul Thakur infused hope into India’s prospects, but their chances dwindled after his dismissal in the penultimate over.
Washington Sundar, known for his off-break bowling and left-handed batting, last appeared in an ODI match at home against New Zealand in January earlier this year. Although he missed selection in the provisional 15-man World Cup squad, his inclusion in the Asia Cup final could add a valuable dimension to the team’s spin bowling, especially against Sri Lanka’s left-handed batsmen. With spin maestros Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav already in the Indian lineup, a three-pronged spin attack seems likely for the Asia Cup final.
