ICC T20 WC Squad: Ravindra Jadeja vs Axar Patel: The Indian team management is breaking sweat over Ravindra Jadeja’s knee injury. With the T20 World Cup scheduled to start in October, the player is almost out of contention for the mega ICC event. As a result, India are set for a like-for-like replacement in the form of Axar Patel. The latter already landed in Dubai for the Asia Cup ahead of India vs Pakistan encounter and looks set for Australia as well. Follow India T20 World Cup squad live updates with InsideSport.IN
The BCCI and the team management is leaving no stone unturned. They are taking a second opinion if there is a need of a surgery before coming to any conclusion. As of now, things do not look any better.
“We are taking a second opinion. It’s (Jadeja’s injury) not looking good at the moment and there are chances of him missing the T20 World Cup,” The Indian Express quoted a BCCI official.
There is a lot of similarity in both Jadeja and Patel. Both of them are slow left-arm spinners, and are more than handy with the bat. Jadeja missing the World Cup has not been made official, but teams need to announce their squad before September 15.
However, when it comes to the impact, Jadeja has been quite superb on that count for India. He has done that on multiple occasions for India in the recent past as well. Besides, his fielding skills is second to none in the Indian team. It is for these reasons as well, the management is looking at a possible miracle to take him to Australia.
Team India head coach #RahulDravid speaks on @imjadeja ‘s medical situation and his availability for the T20 World Cup in Australia.#AsiaCup #jadeja pic.twitter.com/EBGgrxTePt
— RevSportz (@RevSportz) September 3, 2022
Even on the eve of the India vs Pakistan match, head coach Rahul Dravid stated that they have not yet ruled out Jadeja from World Cup. But with it being a recurring injury, it is a bigger concern for the Indian team.
And if the knee injury requires a surgery, one can almost confirm that the player will be out of action for a minimum of three months. It means, Jadeja will miss the Australia flight.
All eyes on Axar Patel now: With no official word on Jadeja, the team management will already start preparing Patel for that role. The Asia Cup will be a big test for the Gujarat man, who will need to shine and justify his team selection.
Patel has primarily played when Jadeja is absent. He has most often or impressed, but playing in the World Cup as first choice spin all-rounder is a different thing altogether.
