Asia Cup 2018: Aakash Chopra expected a better replacement for the injured Hardik Pandya

Former India Test batsman and cricket expert Aakash Chopra was not happy with the replacement named for Hardik Pandya in the Indian team. Pandya suffered a back injury during India’s Asia Cup Group A clash against Pakistan on Wednesday. He pulled up while bowling in the 18th over of the first innings and lay on the ground in considerable pain. He had to eventually be stretchered off the field. After a medical examination, the BCCI announced that Pandya was suffering from an acute back injury, and has hence been ruled out of the remainder of the Asia Cup.

Pandya played almost every game in the lengthy series against England earlier this year. He was only benched for the fifth and final Test, where Hanuma Vihari came in place of him. Pandya had also suffered from a back problem a few months ago during a match against South Africa. Deepak Chahar has been named as Hardik’s replacement, who will be flying into Dubai on Thursday to join the Indian team ahead of their Super 4 clash against Bangladesh.

Aakash Chopra, who is commentating for the ongoing Asia Cup, tweeted, “I was expecting the senior Pandya brother to get a call. Not to be. Looks like he isn’t in the scheme of things for the World Cup.” Krunal Pandya made some decent contributions lower down the order with the bat during India A’s tour of England. He has also bagged a few wickets with his left-arm spin. Krunal Pandya shone with the Mumbai Indians over the last few IPL seasons with his power hitting as well as his wicket-taking ability. The all-rounder also smashed 85 runs against Mumbai in Baroda’s opening fixture in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.

More injury woes for India

Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Axar Patel and right-arm pacer Shardul Thakur have also been ruled out of the Asia Cup due to injuries. Axar Patel injured his left index finger while fielding against Pakistan. Scans revealed that Axar had torn his tendon. Shardul Thakur, on the other hand, experienced soreness on the right hip and groin following India’s opening match against Hong Kong. Ravindra Jadeja will replace Axar, while Siddharth Kaul has been called up in place of Thakur.

India will also face Pakistan on Sunday, and their final Super 4 match will be against Afghanistan on Tuesday, September 25.

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