'Abh yea bhi gaya'- Fans react as India off-spinner set to replace Axar Patel for final of Asia Cup against Sri Lanka

According to reports, Washington Sundar is set to replace Axar Patel for the final of the Asia Cup against Sri Lanka. The all-rounder suffered multiple injuries during India’s last Super 4 match against Bangladesh on Friday. He played a fantastic knock of 42 runs but could not let his team through against the Bangla Tigers.

The 29-year-old’s participation in the final is uncertain thus prompting the addition of Sundar. His inclusion against a Sri Lanka batting unit that has a couple of left-handers at the top, his off-breaks will come in handy and he can also be used in the first powerplay overs.

Washington Sundar set to replace Axar Patel

Sundar is also a part of the Indian team playing in the Asian Games in Hangzhou and will rejoin the squad in Bengaluru after the final. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder has played 16 One-Day Internationals for India, scoring 233 runs at 29.12 and claiming 16 wickets.

As per the latest developments, Axar has not been ruled out yet, but the injury to his wrist which is the bowling hand and elbow has put his position in the playing XI in uncertainty. India will surely miss his service at the lower end of the batting order if he cannot play in the final.

Men in Blues' lower-middle order have not quite lived up to the expectations in terms of batting with Jadeja, Axar, and Shardul, the two-time World champion is still struggling to get out runs at the end and it was pretty much visible. Except for Axar no other all-rounder was able to perform against Bangladesh in their last Super 4 match of the Asia Cup. If Sundar gets selected, he has the ability to bolster that aspect of the game.

Axar played 34 balls and scored 42 runs, waging a lone war in the final overs, but failed to take India home. In the penultimate over of the match, Axar got out trying to hit a six off Mustafizur Rahman. He became the 150th wicket for the Bangladesh pacer.

Here's how fans reacted: 

Big blow for indian team

— Mayank Goel (@indiangalactico) September 16, 2023

Sundar should be in the WC squad

— Mayank Goel (@indiangalactico) September 16, 2023

Yes that's good

— Mintu Dutta (@MNGamin65372627) September 16, 2023

Good decision.. Washi is better than Axar

— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) September 16, 2023

Big Blow To India 🥺



I Would Have Called Ashwin In Place Of Washington



Ashwin Can Also Bat



We Have Seen In Wc

— the DUGOUT ! (@teams_dream) September 16, 2023

Yuzi Chahal deserve more.

— Waѕiyullah Budye (@WasiyullahB) September 16, 2023

Kuldeep jadeja in team

He will warm the bench

— Finch Academy Of Ducks (@Academyofducks) September 16, 2023

Should have replaced Jadeja

— Classic Mojito (@classic_mojito) September 16, 2023