Right before the start of the World Cup 2023, India’s campaign had received a huge blow after premier all-rounder Axar Patel was ruled out of the tournament due to a quadriceps injury. Veteran spinner R Ashwin was brought into the World Cup squad at the last moment. While many were expecting Axar not to recover in time, the Gujarat player has made a comeback and how.
Quickfire 50 in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
Axar Patel smashed a stunning fifty against Punjab in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy encounter played on October 23, in Ranchi. After being set a target of 233, Gujarat managed to score 197 and lost by 36 runs. But Axar was brilliant on the day and scored 52 from 27 balls, hitting four sixes. He was good with the ball too, and returned with figures of 4-0-30-0, in his quota of overs. His performance raises doubts over the World Cup selection, as to why R Ashwin was preferred over him for the tournament.
Many Expected Axar Patel to Recover in 4-6 Weeks, Surprises with SMAT Return
Various media reports suggested that the all-rounder would at least take a month to recover from the injury he had sustained during the super 4 of the Asia Cup, last month. But the player is already up and running, and playing the SMAT.
“Axar Patel has failed to recover in time for the World Cup after sustaining a left quadriceps strain during India’s Asia Cup Super Four encounter against Bangladesh. The spin-bowling all-rounder missed the final of the Asia Cup as a result,” ICC stated in a media release.
“Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been named his replacement, who was impressive on his return to ODI cricket in the recently concluded series against Australia where he picked up four wickets in two games,” the release further stated.
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