In a huge development, India’s death specialist Harshal Patel is set to miss the Asia Cup and is even in doubt for the all important T20 World Cup in Australia later this year. The RCB bowler is said to be suffering from a side strain and will definitely miss the Asia Cup. This will be a huge blow for the Indian team especially if he doesn’t make the cut for the T20 World Cup.
Huge blow for the Team
Patel has been outstanding in IPL and also the opportunities he’s got for the Indian team. His dipping slower ones have bamboozled some of the best batsmen in the world and he was sought to be the solution for India’s perennial problem of death bowling. Earlier reports had stated that Harshal had a slight issue with his ribs and might be available for the last two games in the current series.
Arshdeep to the rescue
Arshdeep Singh as Harshal’s replacement has done a stellar job and will definitely come into the team as a permanent member of the XI in Harshal’s absence. The team management would now have to decide whether they want to go back to the experienced Mohammad Shami. Shami was not in the scheme of things as far as T20 cricket but this could force the selectors to reconsider that thought. With Avesh Khan not being that impressive, it might be time to go back to the experienced pacer.
Asia Cup to start on the 27th August
The much anticipated Asia Cup is starting on the 27th of August, with the Indian team starting their campaign on 28th August against arch rivals Pakistan. KL Rahul and Virat Kohli are expected to come back to the squad. It will be interesting to see if Rishab Pant or Dinesh Karthik get a place in the XI