Axar Patel set to feature in 20-20 World Cup 2022: Reports
The Indian team management is definitely concerned over Ravindra Jadeja’s knee injury. With the 20-20 World Cup coming up around the corner in October, the star all-rounder is almost out of contention for the 20-20 World Cup. As a result, India is bringing in a like-for-like replacement in the form of Axar Patel. He has already landed in Dubai for the Asia Cup ahead of the second India vs Pakistan encounter and looks in line for a call-up to the 20-20 World Cup.
The Indian Cricket Board and the team management is trying out all options possible. They are taking a second opinion if there is a need of surgery before coming to any conclusion. As of now, it is going to be a tough road ahead for Ravindra Jadeja.
“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 20-20 World Cup,” The Indian Express quoted an Indian Cricket Board official.
Axar Patel is almost a mirror image of Ravindra Jadeja. Both of them are left-arm spinners and are very valuable with the bat in the middle order. Jadeja missing the World Cup has not been made official, but teams need to announce their squad before September 15. Jadeja though has been ruled out of the Asia Cup 2022.
The point of difference is that Jadeja has been a game-changer for India. He has done that on numerous occasions for India in the recent past in all formats. Besides, his fielding skills make a big difference to the Indian side. It is for these reasons, that, the management is wanting to take Jadeja to Australia at any cost.
If at all, the knee injury requires surgery, one can almost be certain that the player will be ruled out for a minimum of three months. It means, Jadeja will miss the flight to Australia.
Axar Patel has played mostly as a backup to Jadeja. He has impressed more often than not but playing in the World Cup as the main spin all-rounder is a different kettle of fish.
