IND vs SL: Washington Sundar Set To Replace Injured Axar Patel In India's Squad Ahead Of Asia Cup 2023 Final- Report

Young all-rounder Washington Sundar reportedly replaced left-arm spinner Axar Patel in India’s squad for the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. Washington Sundar is set to fly to Colombo as reinforcement ahead of the final match against Sri Lanka in the continental tournament.

Axar Patel suffered multiple injuries during the last Super Four match against Bangladesh at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Friday, September 15. The left-handed batter hurt his hand while trying to save himself from a stumping opportunity after coming down the track.

However, the 29-year-old suffered another blow to his hand after facing a few balls. The all-rounder attempted a lofted shot off Mahedi Hasan’s bowling, but it fell short of the long-on fielder. Towhid Hridoy threw the ball to the non-striker’s end, hitting Axar’s hand.

Washington Sundar To Replace Axar Patel – Reports

According to Cricbuzz, Washington Sundar is flying to Colombo to strengthen the Indian side before the Asia Cup final. Sundar will replace Axar Patel, who suffered multiple injuries while batting against Bangladesh.

https://x.com/cricbuzz/status/1702928904489689564?s=20

The Rohit Sharma-led team will face the Sri Lankan team, led by Dasun Shanaka, at the same venue on Sunday, September 17. Notably, the Men in Blue emerged as winners when the tournament was last played in the ODI format in 2018.

Axar Patel Batter Brilliantly But Couldn’t Finish – Rohit Sharma

Speaking after the match, Rohit Sharma lauded Axar Patel for his brilliant performance, emphasizing that the team had a chance of winning due to his crucial runs at the end.

“We wanted to give some game time to the guys, keeping the bigger picture in mind. Not compromising on how we wanted to play this game. Get in some players who are likely to play the World Cup. Axar batted brilliantly but couldn’t finish. He showed a lot of character. But credit to the Bangladesh bowlers.”

“Gill’s hundred was brilliant. He backs his game, he knows exactly how he wants to play. Pretty clear on what he wants to do for the team. Look at his form over the last year. Pretty solid against the new ball. Works really hard, there’s no optional practice for Gill.”

Axar scored 42 runs off 34 balls while batting at the No. 8 position. He almost guided the team to victory but was dismissed when the team needed 12 runs off 9 balls. India lost the remaining wickets in the final overs and fell short of the target by six runs.

Also read: IND vs BAN: Watch – Axar Patel Suffers Nasty Blow On Hand As Bangladesh Fielder’s Throw Hits The All-rounder