Tamil Nadu all-rounder Washington Sundar has been called up as cover for the injured Axar Patel for the upcoming Asia Cup final against hosts Sri Lanka on Sunday. (More Cricket News)
Axar had sustained multiple injuries while batting during India's six-run loss to Bangladesh in their last Super 4 game on Friday.
Axar scored a handy 42 off 34 balls and almost took India over the line, before the wily Bangladesh seamer Mustafizur Rahman had him caught at long off to signal the end of India’s fight in the match.
In the process, Axar got hit twice — once on his little finger off a delivery and the second time on his other arm from a throw in the deep.
To compound his and India's troubles, the southpaw has developed a niggle in his hamstring, all of which has rendered him a doubtful starter for the summit clash on Sunday.
The extent of Axar's injuries is currently unknown and hence right-arm off-spinner Washington, who was part of India's Asian Games squad, has been called up as a precautionary measure.
"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 the condition of anonymity.
It is Axar's hamstring issue which will keep the Indian team management worried more than the swelling on his forearm, with just three weeks to go for the ODI World Cup.
Washington, who is a competent batter himself, last played an ODI at home against New Zealand in January this year.
(With PTI inputs)
