Why wasn’t Axar Patel named as Washington Sundar’s replacement for New Zealand ODIs?

Team India’s all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the remaining matches of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named a replacement for Sundar in the ODI squad, but left-arm spinner Axar Patel was not considered for selection.

Sundar suffered “acute discomfort in his left lower rib” while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara on Sunday. The left-handed hitter will now undergo further testing. Notably, the BCCI medical team will consult specialists to assess the injury and decide the next steps.

Ayush Badoni named as Washington Sundar’s replacement for second ODI

The BCCI selection committee on Monday (January 12) named Ayush Badoni as Washington Sundar’s replacement in the ODI squad. Badoni received his first call-up to the Indian team and the Delhi batter will join the team in Rajkot for the second ODI.

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Sundar bowled five overs in the first ODI, conceding 27 runs at an economy rate of 5.40 without taking a wicket. However, he left the field and did not return to play his remaining overs.

He also contributed with the bat during the chase. Sundar came on when India needed 22 runs to win and struck alongside KL Rahul to take the team home with six balls remaining. He remained unbeaten on 7 runs from 7 balls.

The Tamil Nadu cricketer got a lifeline late in the innings when Adithya Ashok dropped a simple catch off the bowling of Zakary Foulkes in the 48th over.

Axar Patel’s omission from Home ODI series sparks debate among fans after Sundar’s injury

Many fans were surprised after Axar Patel was not considered for the home ODI series even after Washington Sundar’s injury. The questions mounted as Axar missed the recent series despite performing well earlier against Australia.

Axar Patel was part of the Australia series and put in a strong performance, but the selectors preferred Ravindra Jadeja in the South Africa and New Zealand squads. Jadeja’s batting form declined, while Axar’s overall game continued to improve.

Over the last year, Axar’s bowling has been in great shape and he has also worked on his batting, especially against fast bowlers. He averages over 23 with the bat, bowls at an economy rate of less than 4.50 and has taken 75 wickets in 71 matches.

Why wasn’t Axar Patel named Washington Sundar’s replacement?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has not explained why Axar Patel was not chosen as a replacement after Washington Sundar was ruled out of the ODI series. It is believed that the team management may have decided to give Axar rest ahead of the T20 World Cup and avoid any risk of injury.

India is already facing several injury-related setbacks. Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the ODI series after suffering a side strain while batting in the nets before the first match.

Tilak Varma was also ruled out of the first three T20Is against New Zealand after undergoing surgery for an abdominal problem in Rajkot. The second ODI will be played on Wednesday, January 14 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

Also read: Shreyas Iyer refuses to speak at length about Virat Kohli’s exploits against New Zealand