Team India has been dealt with a severe blow ahead of the upcoming mega-events Asia Cup 2022 and the ICC T20 World Cup 2022. Pacer Harshal Patel has suffered an injury and is all set to miss the Asia Cup 2022. The tournament will take place from August 27 in the United Arab Emirates. The Board of Control for Cricket in India is likely to announce the Indian squad for the Asia Cup on August 8.
Harshal Patel, who is India’s T20 specialist bowler, is suffering from a side strain, as reported by the Cricbuzz. This injury has hampered his chances of playing in the Asia Cup 2022 for India. The right-arm pacer is currently with the Indian team in the United States to play two T20Is against West Indies, in the ongoing five-match T20I against West Indies. Harshal did not feature in the first three matches, and now is all set to miss the remaining two matches, with the fourth match set to take place on August 6.
Harshal Patel set to miss Asia Cup and doubtful for T20 World Cup. (Reported by Cricbuzz).
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 6, 2022
The pacer’s injury could open the doors again for bowling all-rounder Deepak Chahar, who was on the sidelines since February due to a hamstring injury. Chahar will be playing the ODI series against Zimbabwe later this month and will be keen to make a comeback to India’s T20I squad.
Harshal Patel also likely to miss the ICC T20 World Cup 2022
Harshal Patel is also doubtful for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2022, which will take place later this year in Australia. He is likely to be under rehabilitation for four to six weeks. The 31-year-old is expected to join the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for his recovery. His chances of playing the World Cup for India will depend on how fast he recovers from the side strain.
Harshal Patel made his debut for India in T20Is against New Zealand in November last year. So far, he has played 17 T20I matches for the country. The pacer has taken 23 wickets at an average of 20.95 and an economy rate of 8.58. His wickets tally includes a four-wicket haul. He has not played a single T20I since July 2022 when India played against England at Nottingham.
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