Xtra Time Web Desk: It was no doubt a huge blow to the Indian team as Ravindra Jadeja was ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing Asia Cup 2022 tournament. But at the same time, it leaves an opportunity for the team management to try out a like-for like replacement for the big match against Pakistan on Sunday. Potentially there are two players who can likely replace Jadeja. First option will be Deepak Hooda purely because he is an all-rounder. The second option can be Ravichandran Ashwin because of his wealth of experience. Ravi Bishnoi is another option but will you keep two leg spinners in the playing XI?
Left arm spinner Axar Patel, who joined the squad on Saturday morning could be another option. He was in stand by but was asked to stay back in India unlike Deepak Chahar. The question is will the team management straightaway field him in a high pressure game against Pakistan after just one practice session.
Both Deepak Hooda and Ravichandran Ashwin has been sweating in at the practice sessions. Hooda was seen practicing big hits in the optional nets ahead of Hong Kong match. Ashwin too has been in the mix of things, bowling regularly at the nets.
Ravi Ashwin was seen getting an extended session at the nets. Bishnoi on the other hand was spotted undergoing fielding practice along with Arshdeep Singh and Deepak Chahar. With the exclusion of Jadeja from the tournament and the pitch turning slow, India will fancy bringing on a specialist spinner into the squad apart from Yuzvendra Chahal.
This also could pave way for the Men in Blue to go into the game with two pacers. All three spinners Ashwin, Bishnoi and Axar will contest for a spot in the playing XI for Sunday’s game.
The Men in Blue will once again face their arch rivals and the game promises to be highly entertaining. Rohit & co will look to repeat their previous performance in which India defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets.