Spin-bowling allrounder Washington Sundar will join the Indian dressing room as an injury cover for Axar Patel ahead of the Asia Cup 2023Â final, reports said.
Axar Patel reportedly suffered multiple blows and needed medical attention during a valiant batting effort against Bangladesh on Friday. The extent of his injuries remains unknown after he emerged out of the Super Four match with niggles, the Cricbuzz reported. Thus, India decided to rope in Washington Sundar ahead of the summit clash against tournament co-host Sri Lanka on Sunday.
"Axar is currently suffering from multiple injuries. He has hurt his little finger, got hit on forearm by a throw from deep and most importantly has developed a hamstring niggle. So Washington has been called," a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
Washington Sundar missed out on the World Cup squad but was included in the list of players representing the country at the Asian Games 2023. Following the final, he will rejoin the contingent set to leave for Hangzhou. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder has played played 16 ODIs, scoring 233 runs and claiming 16 wickets. The 23-year-old last played an ODI at home against New Zealand in January this year.
At Colombo's Premadasa Stadium, Bangladesh beat India by six runs in an inconsequential contest. Sent into bat, Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan and Towid Hridoy scored contrasting half-centuries to post a decent 265 for eight. In reply, India were all out for 259 in 49.5 overs despite Shubhman Gill scoring a ton. Axar Patel kept India on course until his dismissal in the penultimate over of the game.
