Axar Patel injury: India chief selector Ajit Agarkar provides update on all-rounder's fitness

Axar Patel has been drafted in India's squad for third ODI against Australia, but his inclusion will be subject to his fitness.

The BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar, on September 18, 2023, gave an update on the fitness status of injured all-rounder Axar Patel while revealing the team India squads for the three-match ODI series against Australia.

Axar Patel recently featured in the Indian team’s triumphant campaign in Asia Cup 2023. He unfortunately copped a blow on the forearm during India’s last Super 4s match against Bangladesh in Colombo and during the same match, he also suffered a quadricep injury.

This led to Axar not being named in the Indian XI for the Asia Cup 2023 final against Sri Lanka on Sunday, and Washington Sundar was drafted into the side as his replacement. Rohit Sharma had earlier said that Axar had a small tear and it might take a week or 10 days (to heal) and the management will have an eye on his progress.

Ajit Agarkar gives update on Axar Patel’s injury

The decision to have two off-spinning all-rounders in Ashwin and Washington Sundar comes in the wake of Axar Patel's injury, although the chairman of selectors Agarkar remained hopeful of Axar's return.

"What's made known to us with Axar's injury is that he should be okay. So that's a call we'll make once we know that, but at least it leaves us with options if they get games now, and gives the team management options if they need to go that way. If the need arises, we'll look at it at that stage but there's no need to speculate right now or make any decisions right now because Axar, we're hoping that he's fit," said Agarkar in a press conference.

Axar Patel has been a vital part of the Indian white-ball squad, especially when Ravindra Jadeja was injured last year and with the World Cup being played in India, India can use his expertise by playing three spinners in the XI. Axar Patel’s ability with the bat at no.8 gives India that freedom as well.