IND vs PAK: Selection headache Jadeja injury: Just a couple of days before the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Super 4 encounter, India received a major setback. Ravindra Jadeja has been ruled out of the continental competition. As a result, Axar Patel was named as an immediate replacement. With it, Rohit Sharma and co have a selection headache ahead of the big clash. Follow Asia Cup 2022 Cricket live updates with InsideSport.IN.
The high-octane match between India and Pakistan Round 2 is their respective first match of the Super 4 stage. India topped Group A while the Men in Green finished runners up to set up this date.
The injury has come at the worst possible time for the Indian team management. With the all-important India-Pakistan clash on Sunday, they have to be spot on with the team changes.
An injury blow for #TeamIndia as Ravindra Jadeja is set to be replaced by Axar Patel for the rest of the DP World #AsiaCup2022 😢
Here’s wishing Jaddu a speedy recovery!#BelieveInBlue https://t.co/TlZ1mqM9qI
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 2, 2022
Axar Patel match fitness?
The man from Gujarat, no doubt, is the best possible replacement for the Indian team in the current scenario. But it is not easy as it seems. There are questions about his match fitness. It is important to note that Axar was one of the three stand-by players for the Asia Cup. However, only Deepak Chahar was training with the team. Since he took a late Friday night to Dubai, there is the issue of jet lag as well.
Pant needs to play, left hander in middle order
The Indian southpaw was left out against Pakistan in their first game and Jadeja was promoted higher up the order. Pant was however included in the Hong Kong game. The latter happened with Hardik Pandya being rested. With India possessing many right-handed batters, they need a left-hander in the middle order to have balance. It is at this juncture, the management will have to field Rishabh Pant in the playing XI. Though Axar can bat, he is not suited as a top four of five batter.
Two wicketkeeper batters?
If India goes ahead with Pant, there is another headache, do they go ahead with two wicketkeepers – Pant and Dinesh Karthik? If they do go ahead with it, it might be difficult to play Axar Patel in the playing XI. With Hardik set to return for the clash, it would also mean that the team will play with just one spinner. Can they afford to do that in UAE conditions?
Big 24 hours ahead
With such questions, the next 24 hours are going to be crucial. Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid have to find a perfect solution and get the best possible XI on the park at the Dubai International Stadium.
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