India have drafted in Washington Sundar as Axar Patel’s
replacement ahead of the finals in Colombo. At the time of writing, Sundar has
arrived and linked up with his teammates in Colombo.
Axar Patel was diagnosed with a quadriceps injury
while trying to get India across the line in the run-chase vs Bangladesh on
Friday. Apart from the quad injury, Axar was battered on both his wrists as
well- one will saving himself from a stumping and the other courtesy of a stray
throw from Towhid Hridoy from long-on.
There is a possibility that Sundar is drafted straight
into the playing 11 for the final. The wicket for the final is expected to be
the one similar to where India and Sri lanka played out a low scoring thriller
on the 12th. Sundar could be a very feasible option as he is the
only offspinner in the side and has an equal batting ability, if not better
than Axar.
Despite both KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer being named in
the squad, Washington’s name was ultimately passed over because India preferred
to go into the World Cup with an extra back-up batter in Suryakumar Yadav.
Until September 28, India can make changes to that team without ICC approval.
Washington was most recently a member of India’s
second-tier team that participated in three T20Is in Ireland last month after
missing three months due to a hamstring injury. He participated in South Zone’s
successful Deodhar Trophy (50-overs) and Duleep Trophy (first-class) campaigns
before that.