India all-rounder Axar Patel’s left hamstring injury could possibly rule him out of the three-match one-day international (ODI) series against Australia, compounding the Indian team management's worries. (More Cricket News)
Considering how much time quadricep injuries generally take to heal, it could take Axar a good two to three weeks to recover, making him a doubtful starter for the World Cup.
The southpaw sustained multiple injuries during India's six-run loss to Bangladesh in their last Super 4 match on Friday.
Tamil Nadu all-rounder Washington Sundar, who was called as cover for the injured Gujarat player on Saturday, has been named as Axar's replacement.
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The Indian cricket board (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah was quoted as saying in a release: "Axar Patel has been ruled out of the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka due to a left quadriceps strain sustained during India's Super 4 match against Bangladesh on Friday. The men's selection committee has named Washington Sundar as a replacement. The all-rounder arrived in Colombo this evening and has joined the squad."
Washington was originally part of India's Asian Games squad, but has been called up following Axar's injury update.
It is Axar's hamstring issue which will keep the Indian team management worried, more than the swelling on his forearm, with just three weeks to go for the ODI World Cup.
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"Even if it's not a tear and may be a strain, it would take two weeks to heal. Yesterday, one saw on TV that Axar had a strapping on his thigh which is an indicator that the quadriceps strain was bothering him.
“If it's not a Grade 2 tear, he could still play the World Cup but it depends on the extent of injuries. But it's good to know that he has not sustained any forearm fracture," a source in the know of things said.
Washington, who bowls off-spin and is a competent left-hand batter, last played an ODI at home against New Zealand in January this year.
(With PTI inputs)
