Asia Cup: Injured Ravindra Jadeja Ruled Out; Axar Patel Named Replacement

Dubai: Team India will have to do without the services of Ravindra Jadeja for the remainder of the Asia Cup.

The allrounder, who played in both group league matches against Pakistan and Hong Kong, was ruled out after sustaining a right knee injury, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah stated in a press release.

Jadeja played a useful hand in India’s 5-wicket win over Pakistan, scoring a crucial 35 in a match-winning partnership with Hardik Pandya. Against Hong Kong, he bowled 4 tight overs and returned figures of 1/15.

The all-India senior selection committee named Axar Patel as Jadeja’s like-for-like replacement. Axar is a left-handed spinner and can use the long handle effectively in the death overs.

India will play their first Super Fours game against the winner of Friday night’s Pakistan versus Hong Kong encounter on Sunday, followed by clashes against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.