Axar Patel's Race Against Time: Ajit Agarkar's Fitness Update for IND vs AUS Series

After announcing the squad for the series against Australia on Monday, chief selector Ajit Agarkar has issued an update on Akshar Patel's injury. Indian cricketer Akshar Patel was seriously injured during the Asia Cup 2023. The all-rounder strained his left quadriceps during India's Super Four match against Bangladesh. Despite his commendable effort of 42 off 34 balls, Patel's injury was so severe that he was ruled out of the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka, which was played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on 17 September 2023.
The injury occurred during the crucial stage of the tournament, causing Patel to miss the final match, where India won by 10 wickets against Sri Lanka. The win marked India's 8th Asia Cup championship. His injury was announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Washington Sundar was named as his replacement for the final match.
Speaking at a press conference after winning the Asia Cup, the Indian skipper said that Akshar is likely to miss the first two matches against Australia. India announced their squad for the ODI series against Australia on Monday, September 18 and Akshar was included in the squad for the third ODI subject to fitness.
Speaking at the press conference, Agarkar said that he is hopeful that Akshar will be fit for the third match against Australia in Rajkot.
“We hope Akshar Patel is fit for the third match. R Ashwin and Washington Sundar have also been included for the third ODI,” Agarkar said.
India squad for first two ODIs:
KL Rahul (C&WK), Ravindra Jadeja (Vice-captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Verma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. . . Shami, Mohammad. Siraj, the illustrious Krishna