Axar Patel to Miss First Two ODIs Against Australia
India captain Rohit Sharma has confirmed that Axar Patel will be unavailable for at least the first two ODIs against Australia, starting Friday. Patel sustained a small muscular tear during a run-chase against Bangladesh and was subsequently hit with a throw on his bowling hand. While the exact timeline for his recovery remains uncertain, Rohit hopes that Patel will heal quickly. Washington Sundar has been drafted in as his replacement for the final against Sri Lanka.
Shreyas Iyer Expected to be Match-Fit for Series-Opener
Another player on the Indian team, Shreyas Iyer, has been sidelined due to back spasms he experienced moments before the toss against Pakistan. However, Rohit is confident that Iyer will be match-fit in time for the series-opener. After ticking off most of the required parameters, Iyer is said to be 99% recovered. He has been actively participating in practice sessions, batting and fielding for extended periods, which gives Rohit assurance that he will be ready for the game in Indore.
India’s Dilemma: Retaining Washington Sundar or Sending Him for Asian Games
With Patel out of the lineup, India now faces a decision regarding whether to retain Washington Sundar for the series against Australia or allow him to travel to the Asian Games in Hangzhou. While Sundar’s performance in the Asia Cup final was commendable, Rohit has suggested that they may still consider the experienced offspinner R. Ashwin for the upcoming World Cup. Rohit has been in contact with Ashwin and affirmed that he is still in contention. The final decision will rest on discussions with the coaching staff and considering the overall team strategy.
It is clear that Rohit Sharma has been proactive in communicating the team’s expectations to the players. He has been transparent in their roles and has assured that everyone is in the loop. These open lines of communication are crucial for team unity and to ensure that each player feels valued and well-informed.
