Asia Cup 2018: Hardik Pandya ruled out of the tournament; replacement named

Team India has been dealt with a huge blow in the ongoing Asia Cup as their all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the tournament. He was grimacing in pain after falling while bowling in the game against Pakistan and had to be stretchered off the field. Later, it was revealed that he is struggling with the acute lower back injury and his condition is being assessed.

According to the reports in Hindustan Times, Deepak Chahar has been called up to the squad and he will land in Dubai on Thursday. This is his maiden call-up to the ODI team after making a debut in the T20I decider against England a couple of months ago. Chahar is also known for his decent batting along with his swing bowling prowess. It remains to be seen if he will be handed over a debut in the game against Bangladesh on Friday.

Who will play in the XI?

Hardik Pandya will be definitely missed with the bat now. He is more than a capable bowler and his explosive batting always helps Team India finish strong. With him being ruled out, it remains to be seen if Chahar will walk into the XI or Axar Patel who has been warming the bench for a long time will get a chance.

However, there will be a debate if these two players are good enough to bat at number seven in the line-up. It won’t be easy for them though and the top-order will have to do the bulk of the scoring now. One of them has to stay until the end and with MS Dhoni struggling to deliver, the other teams will be looking to pounce on India’s weakness now.

The Men in Blue will face Bangladesh in their first Super Four game on Friday after which the arch-rivals will again play on Sunday.

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