IND vs NZ: 3 players who could replace Axar Patel in XI if he misses second T20I in Raipur

Axar Patel sustained an injury scare while bowling in the IND vs NZ 1st T20I in Nagpur.

Indian Cricket Team started their T20I campaign against the New Zealand Cricket Team on a winning note. In the first IND vs NZ T20I, the Men in Blue crushed the visitors by a huge margin of 48 runs. Posting a mammoth 238/7 total in the first innings, they restricted Black Caps at 190/7 later.

Despite the victory, India suffered a big blow in the encounter as their star all-rounder Axar Patel sustained an injury scare. While trying to catch the ball off his own bowling by Daryl Mitchell, Patel injured his finger. Due to his injury, he left the field midway and his over was completed by Abhishek Sharma.

Notably, Patel, who is the vice-captain of India in T20Is, being injured comes as big blow for the Men-in-Blue. With his economical spin, lower-order hitting, and tactical acumen, he provides balance to India’s playing XI.

If he is unable to feature in the 2nd T20I, the Suryakumar Yadav & Co. will need a perfect replacement for him. On that note, below are three players who could replace Axar Patel in the IND vs NZ 2nd T20I.

IND vs NZ: 3 players who could replace Axar Patel in the playing XI if he misses second T20I

3. Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav is the first player who can replace Patel in India’s playing XI. Although he lacks batting skills like Patel, he can fulfil his duties in the spin department. Moreover, Yadav is also a left-arm spinner like Patel, which makes him a good choice in the latter’s absence.

2. Ravi Bishnoi

Ravi Bishnoi was added to India’s squad as a replacement for injured Washington Sundar. Bishnoi has impressed with his performance in the shortest format. Across 42 T20Is since his debut in 2022, the leg spinner has picked 61 wickets at an economy of 7.36. With his low arm action and googlies, Bishnoi can trouble Kiwis batsmen in the upcoming games.

1. Harshit Rana

India went ahead with only two frontline pacers in the opening game in Nagpur with Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, while Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube lent a hand in the pace department. As seamers were more successful in the opening game, India can go ahead with three full-time pacers in the next game.

In such a scenario, Harshit Rana can be added to the playing XI, filling Patel’s vacant position. Also, Rana can play a part with the bat as he has an ability to hit big shots.

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