Colombo. In the last Super Four match of Asia Cup 2023 against Bangladesh, the Indian team had to face defeat by six runs. However, Team India did not suffer any loss from this defeat. India has already qualified for the Asia Cup final. The match against Bangladesh was an opportunity to test the Indian bench strength. For this, the Indian team had also made five changes in the playing-11.

Shock to Team India before the final

Now the team has to play the title match against Sri Lanka on 17th September. Before this match, the Indian team has suffered a big setback. According to news agency PTI, Akshar Patel is almost out of the race to play the final due to injury. This star all-rounder was injured in the match against Sri Lanka. He was seen struggling a lot during the match. Apart from his hand, he also had problems in his left thigh. Akshar had played an inning of 42 runs in 34 balls with the help of three fours and two sixes against Bangladesh. However, he could not lead the team to victory.

Akshar was seen in pain during the match against Bangladesh

23-year-old Washington Sundar has been called as cover for Axar Patel. The severity of Akshar’s injury is not known at the moment, but he was seen in a lot of pain during his innings at the Premadasa Stadium on Friday night. Akshar had earlier suffered an injury in one hand during the match. For this, while he was calling the physio, the Bangladeshi fielder’s throw hit his other hand.

Akshar was batting with a bandage on his hand and thigh.

After this the physio had tied a bandage on his left hand near the wrist. He continued batting with Patti. Before the last over, the physio once again came to the field and bandaged Akshar’s thigh. In such a situation, he looked unfit for the final. However, no information has been revealed by BCCI on this matter yet. During the match, Akshar had a partnership of 39 runs with Shubman Gill for the seventh wicket and then 40 runs with Shardul Thakur for the eighth wicket. However, Akshar was out in the 49th over and Team India’s hopes of victory were also over.

A BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity, “Akshar is currently suffering from several injuries. His finger is also injured. The throw from the Bangladeshi fielder injured his arm and most importantly his hamstring. That’s why Washington has been called as cover.”

Akshar is also part of the World Cup team

If Akshar’s injury is serious then it will be a matter of concern for Team India before the World Cup. Axar is one of the three spinners included in Team India for the World Cup. His useful batting in the lower order provides great strength to the Indian team. It remains to be seen whether he is fit before the World Cup or not.

Team India’s participation in Sundar Asian Games

Whereas, Washington Sundar is a part of India’s Asian Games team and is currently in Bengaluru. He is expected to rejoin the Asian Games training camp after the completion of the finals. This camp will continue till September 23 before the start of the games in Hangzhou, China. Apart from being a good off-break bowler, he also bats well in the lower order. He last played a home ODI against New Zealand in January this year, but has not been included in the 15-man World Cup squad. If Sundar is selected for the final, he could use his off-spin against Sri Lanka’s left-handers on a track that has favored spinners so far in Colombo.

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