IND BAN 2nd ODI: India’s preparations for their ODI series have been beset by injury. Rishabh Pant and Mohammad Shami were last-minute exclusion due to injury. Meanwhile, Axar Patel missed the 1st game due to a rib injury. Now with the series on the line, Patel’s availability is still unclear. Shahbaz Ahmed did feature in Dhaka on Sunday but failed to impress with the bat. Watch IND vs BAN LIVE Streaming on Sony LIV & India vs Bangladesh LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
IND BAN 2nd ODI: Injury cloud hovers above Axar Patel, decision on Shahbaz Ahmed before match after unimpressive run with bat – Check out
India suffered a humiliating defeat in the 1st ODI against Bangladesh on Sunday. With the series on the line, the Men in Blue are fretting over the availability of Axar Patel. The all-rounder missed the game on Sunday due to a rib injury. However, he could return to playing XI for the all-important match.
A decision on Axar’s availability will only be taken before the match. In his absence, Shahbaz Ahmed featured in his 3rd ODI for India. While impressive with the ball in hand. the RCB star managed a duck on his batting debut. With Rohit Sharma opting for a bowler-heavy line up, runs are expected from Shahbaz or Axar, whoever plays the game.
IND BAN 2nd ODI: Axar Patel or Shahbaz Ahmed?
- Axar missed the first game with a rib injury.
- He could potentially return for the 2nd game in Dhaka with the series on the line.
- Shahbaz Ahmed is likely to make way after scoring a duck on his batting debut.
- He bowled fairly well, conceding just 39 in his 9 overs.
- However, Rohit could stick to both in the XI, with Shardul struggling with a niggle.
Axar recently proved his batting prowess, smashing an unbeaten 64 to guide his team to victory on the tour of West Indies. Given his experience, Patel is a far more reliable batter at No.6, than the options India has in their squad. Shahbaz has scored tons of runs in domestic cricket and the IPL. However, the left-hander looked undercooked in his debut innings with the bat.
While his batting was lacklustre, Shahbaz has impressed with ball in hand. In his three ODIs, he has three wickets to his name. More importantly, the 27-year-old has been miserly in the middle overs, with an economy rate of 4.80. The RCB star could yet feature irrespective of Patel’s return. India were dealt another blow with Shardul Thakur complaining of a niggle. Given Shakib’s exploits in the 1st game, Rohit could be tempted to bowl two left-arm spinners.
IND BAN 2nd ODI: Injury cloud hovers above Axar Patel, decision on Shahbaz Ahmed before match after unimpressive run with bat – Check out
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