India had an amazing campaign in the 2023 Asia Cup as they became the title winners for the eighth time, beating Sri Lanka in the final at the R. Premadasa Stadium, in Colombo. After the tournament, Indian fans celebrated their team’s victory while Pakistan supporters are still criticising their players for producing ineffective performances.

The reason for Pakistan’s unsuccess is not just their performance but also injuries picked up by their players. In the do-or-die match against Sri Lanka in Colombo, some key Pakistan players which included the opener Imam-ul-Haq, couldn’t participate due to injuries. Their absence cost the Men in Green as they lost the game to the co-hosts by two wickets. However, it wasn’t just Pakistan stalwarts who couldn’t provide services to their team. Two key Indian players and a Sri Lanka spinner also failed to show up in important games of the continental tournament.&nbsp;

Here are the five players who were underutilised due to injuries

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1662029145791_Maheesh-Theekshana.jpeg" alt="Maheesh Theekshana" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Maheesh Theekshana. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Maheesh Theekshana is an important part of Sri Lanka’s spin attack. Riding on his disciplined bowling, Sri Lanka hammered Bangladesh and Afghanistan in the group round to end up as table-toppers with four points. In Sri Lanka’s inaugural game against Bangladesh, Matheesha Pathirana grabbed a lot of eyeballs for his four-wicket haul.

Theekshana also supported Pathirana, delivering an economical spell to his team. Bowling eight overs in the match, he gave away only 19 runs and two wickets. Against Afghanistan, he took an important wicket of Gulbadin Naib, who was looking dangerous while chasing a challenging total of 292.

In the Super Four round of the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/asia-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Asia Cup 2023</strong></a>, Theekshana displayed his bowling brilliance against Bangladesh, picking up 3/69 in nine overs. The off-break bowler got ruled out of the tournament before the huge final game against India in Colombo. The Sri Lanka stalwart picked up a hamstring injury while fielding against Pakistan in the Super Four game.&nbsp;

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1672844201139_Axar-Patel.jpeg" alt="Axar Patel" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Axar Patel (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Axar Patel played a crucial role with his bat to take India to the final of the tournament. Against Sri Lanka in the Super Four, the left-handed batter went out in the middle when India were six down at a below-par score of 172. After his arrival, Ravindra Jadeja also went back to the pavilion shortly after.&nbsp;

With seven down at a score of 178, Patel’s responsibility was to help the team put up a fighting total on the board. Patel stepped up during the crucial moment as he scored 26 off 36, which helped the Men in Blue give the target of 214 to the co-hosts. The 29-year-old’s batting effort boosted Indian bowlers’ confidence as they bundled out the six-time Asia Cup champions on 172 and guided India to register a 41-run win.

During the final Super Four match against Bangladesh, Axar hurt his wrist and forearm while batting. The injury prevented his participation in the final against Sri Lanka. The all-rounder might not participate in the initial 2023 World Cup games due to niggles.&nbsp;

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1693301519086_Naseem-Shah.jpeg" alt="Naseem Shah" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Naseem Shah (Photo Source: twitter)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/odi-world-cup-2023-pakistan-announce-15-man-squad/" title="Naseem Shah " target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Naseem Shah&nbsp;</strong></a>is one of the backbones of Pakistan’s pace attack. The speedster looked in amazing rhythm against India in the group match. He picked up 3/36 figures in 8.5 overs and received appreciation for his superb bowling display in the match. He continued his brilliant form in the Super Four match against Bangladesh.

Playing at the Gaddafi Stadium, Naseem supported Haris Rauf and concluded his spell with 3/34 figures. In the high-octane match against India, Naseem injured his bowling shoulder which didn’t allow him to come out to bat in the match. The worst happened after two days when the young pacer failed to be a part of Pakistan’s playing XI in the important game against Sri Lanka, in Colombo.&nbsp;

Naseem’s absence was felt in the must-win contest as the Men in Green failed to save the target of 252 runs in 42 overs. The 20-year-old hasn’t featured in Pakistan’s 15-member World Cup 2023 squad. Hasan Ali will fill his shoes to reinforce Pakistan’s pace attack in the marquee competition.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1693839958772_Shreyas-Iyer.jpeg" alt="Shreyas Iyer" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Shreyas Iyer. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Shreyas Iyer made a comeback in international cricket after five and a half months with his appearance in the match against Pakistan in the group round. During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2022-23, the 28-year-old got his back injured which forced him to stay away from cricket.

In India’s opening game against the arch-rivals, Iyer went back to the pavilion after scoring 14 off nine but looked in good touch by hitting a couple of fours. After the high-voltage game, the right-handed batter played the match against Nepal but didn’t get a chance to bat. In the Super Four round, he didn’t play any matches due to a back spasm.

Before the start of the India-Pakistan game in the Super Four round, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/ahmedabad-flight-ticket-prices-soar-by-415-for-india-vs-pakistan-world-cup-showdown/" title="India" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India</strong></a> skipper Rohit Sharma informed that Iyer won’t be participating in the match due to the niggle. Following the contest against Pakistan, India didn’t get Iyer’s services in further games against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as well.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1694273438767_Virat-Kohli-and-Haris-Rauf.jpeg" alt="Virat Kohli and Haris Rauf" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Virat Kohli and Haris Rauf. (Photo Source: Daniel Pockett-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/odi-world-cup-2023-pakistan-announce-15-man-squad/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pakistan</strong></a> faced a huge setback after the match against India in the Super Four. Along with Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf was also ruled out of the competition before the match against Sri Lanka. Ahead of the India-Pakistan game reserve day, the paceman stayed out of action as a precaution due to side strain during the match practice.

Rauf’s unavailability in the game against Sri Lanka ruined Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2023 campaign as the co-hosts took advantage of Pakistan’s frail pace attack and chased down the 252 in 42 overs. Rauf was the leading wicket-taker in the Asia Cup 2023 when he left the tournament.&nbsp;He had picked up nine wickets in four matches of the competition and the speedster had guided his team to a seven-wicket win with his four-wicket haul against Bangladesh in the Super Four. His presence could’ve turned things around for the two-time Asia Cup champions. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>India had an amazing campaign in the 2023 Asia Cup as they became the title winners for the eighth time, beating Sri Lanka in the final at the R. Premadasa Stadium, in Colombo. After the tournament, Indian fans celebrated their team’s victory while Pakistan supporters are still criticising their players for producing ineffective performances.</p>
<p>The reason for Pakistan’s unsuccess is not just their performance but also injuries picked up by their players. In the do-or-die match against Sri Lanka in Colombo, some key Pakistan players which included the opener Imam-ul-Haq, couldn’t participate due to injuries. Their absence cost the Men in Green as they lost the game to the co-hosts by two wickets. However, it wasn’t just Pakistan stalwarts who couldn’t provide services to their team. Two key Indian players and a Sri Lanka spinner also failed to show up in important games of the continental tournament.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Here are the five players who were underutilised due to injuries</h3>
<h3>5. Maheesh Theekshana</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1662029145791_Maheesh-Theekshana.jpeg" alt="Maheesh Theekshana" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Maheesh Theekshana. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Maheesh Theekshana is an important part of Sri Lanka’s spin attack. Riding on his disciplined bowling, Sri Lanka hammered Bangladesh and Afghanistan in the group round to end up as table-toppers with four points. In Sri Lanka’s inaugural game against Bangladesh, Matheesha Pathirana grabbed a lot of eyeballs for his four-wicket haul.</p>
<p>Theekshana also supported Pathirana, delivering an economical spell to his team. Bowling eight overs in the match, he gave away only 19 runs and two wickets. Against Afghanistan, he took an important wicket of Gulbadin Naib, who was looking dangerous while chasing a challenging total of 292.</p>
<p>In the Super Four round of the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/asia-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Asia Cup 2023</strong></a>, Theekshana displayed his bowling brilliance against Bangladesh, picking up 3/69 in nine overs. The off-break bowler got ruled out of the tournament before the huge final game against India in Colombo. The Sri Lanka stalwart picked up a hamstring injury while fielding against Pakistan in the Super Four game.&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<h3>4. Axar Patel</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1672844201139_Axar-Patel.jpeg" alt="Axar Patel" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Axar Patel (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Axar Patel played a crucial role with his bat to take India to the final of the tournament. Against Sri Lanka in the Super Four, the left-handed batter went out in the middle when India were six down at a below-par score of 172. After his arrival, Ravindra Jadeja also went back to the pavilion shortly after.&nbsp;</p>
<p>With seven down at a score of 178, Patel’s responsibility was to help the team put up a fighting total on the board. Patel stepped up during the crucial moment as he scored 26 off 36, which helped the Men in Blue give the target of 214 to the co-hosts. The 29-year-old’s batting effort boosted Indian bowlers’ confidence as they bundled out the six-time Asia Cup champions on 172 and guided India to register a 41-run win.</p>
<p>During the final Super Four match against Bangladesh, Axar hurt his wrist and forearm while batting. The injury prevented his participation in the final against Sri Lanka. The all-rounder might not participate in the initial 2023 World Cup games due to niggles.&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<h3>3. Naseem Shah</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1693301519086_Naseem-Shah.jpeg" alt="Naseem Shah" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Naseem Shah (Photo Source: twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/odi-world-cup-2023-pakistan-announce-15-man-squad/" title="Naseem Shah " target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Naseem Shah&nbsp;</strong></a>is one of the backbones of Pakistan’s pace attack. The speedster looked in amazing rhythm against India in the group match. He picked up 3/36 figures in 8.5 overs and received appreciation for his superb bowling display in the match. He continued his brilliant form in the Super Four match against Bangladesh.</p>
<p>Playing at the Gaddafi Stadium, Naseem supported Haris Rauf and concluded his spell with 3/34 figures. In the high-octane match against India, Naseem injured his bowling shoulder which didn’t allow him to come out to bat in the match. The worst happened after two days when the young pacer failed to be a part of Pakistan’s playing XI in the important game against Sri Lanka, in Colombo.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Naseem’s absence was felt in the must-win contest as the Men in Green failed to save the target of 252 runs in 42 overs. The 20-year-old hasn’t featured in Pakistan’s 15-member World Cup 2023 squad. Hasan Ali will fill his shoes to reinforce Pakistan’s pace attack in the marquee competition.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>2. Shreyas Iyer</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1693839958772_Shreyas-Iyer.jpeg" alt="Shreyas Iyer" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Shreyas Iyer. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Shreyas Iyer made a comeback in international cricket after five and a half months with his appearance in the match against Pakistan in the group round. During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2022-23, the 28-year-old got his back injured which forced him to stay away from cricket.</p>
<p>In India’s opening game against the arch-rivals, Iyer went back to the pavilion after scoring 14 off nine but looked in good touch by hitting a couple of fours. After the high-voltage game, the right-handed batter played the match against Nepal but didn’t get a chance to bat. In the Super Four round, he didn’t play any matches due to a back spasm.</p>
<p>Before the start of the India-Pakistan game in the Super Four round, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/ahmedabad-flight-ticket-prices-soar-by-415-for-india-vs-pakistan-world-cup-showdown/" title="India" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India</strong></a> skipper Rohit Sharma informed that Iyer won’t be participating in the match due to the niggle. Following the contest against Pakistan, India didn’t get Iyer’s services in further games against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as well.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>1. Haris Rauf</h3>
<figure class="image align-center" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1694273438767_Virat-Kohli-and-Haris-Rauf.jpeg" alt="Virat Kohli and Haris Rauf" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Virat Kohli and Haris Rauf. (Photo Source: Daniel Pockett-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/odi-world-cup-2023-pakistan-announce-15-man-squad/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pakistan</strong></a> faced a huge setback after the match against India in the Super Four. Along with Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf was also ruled out of the competition before the match against Sri Lanka. Ahead of the India-Pakistan game reserve day, the paceman stayed out of action as a precaution due to side strain during the match practice.</p>
<p>Rauf’s unavailability in the game against Sri Lanka ruined Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2023 campaign as the co-hosts took advantage of Pakistan’s frail pace attack and chased down the 252 in 42 overs. Rauf was the leading wicket-taker in the Asia Cup 2023 when he left the tournament.&nbsp;He had picked up nine wickets in four matches of the competition and the speedster had guided his team to a seven-wicket win with his four-wicket haul against Bangladesh in the Super Four. His presence could’ve turned things around for the two-time Asia Cup champions. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>India had an amazing campaign in the 2023 Asia Cup as they became the title winners for the eighth time, beating Sri Lanka in the final at the R. Premadasa Stadium, in Colombo. After the tournament, Indian fans celebrated their team’s victory while Pakistan supporters are still criticising their players for producing ineffective performances.</p>
<p>The reason for Pakistan’s unsuccess is not just their performance but also injuries picked up by their players. In the do-or-die match against Sri Lanka in Colombo, some key Pakistan players which included the opener Imam-ul-Haq, couldn’t participate due to injuries. Their absence cost the Men in Green as they lost the game to the co-hosts by two wickets. However, it wasn’t just Pakistan stalwarts who couldn’t provide services to their team. Two key Indian players and a Sri Lanka spinner also failed to show up in important games of the continental tournament.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Here are the five players who were underutilised due to injuries</h3>
<h3>5. Maheesh Theekshana</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1662029145791_Maheesh-Theekshana.jpeg" alt="Maheesh Theekshana" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Maheesh Theekshana. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Maheesh Theekshana is an important part of Sri Lanka’s spin attack. Riding on his disciplined bowling, Sri Lanka hammered Bangladesh and Afghanistan in the group round to end up as table-toppers with four points. In Sri Lanka’s inaugural game against Bangladesh, Matheesha Pathirana grabbed a lot of eyeballs for his four-wicket haul.</p>
<p>Theekshana also supported Pathirana, delivering an economical spell to his team. Bowling eight overs in the match, he gave away only 19 runs and two wickets. Against Afghanistan, he took an important wicket of Gulbadin Naib, who was looking dangerous while chasing a challenging total of 292.</p>
<p>In the Super Four round of the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/asia-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Asia Cup 2023</strong></a>, Theekshana displayed his bowling brilliance against Bangladesh, picking up 3/69 in nine overs. The off-break bowler got ruled out of the tournament before the huge final game against India in Colombo. The Sri Lanka stalwart picked up a hamstring injury while fielding against Pakistan in the Super Four game.&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<h3>4. Axar Patel</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1672844201139_Axar-Patel.jpeg" alt="Axar Patel" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Axar Patel (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Axar Patel played a crucial role with his bat to take India to the final of the tournament. Against Sri Lanka in the Super Four, the left-handed batter went out in the middle when India were six down at a below-par score of 172. After his arrival, Ravindra Jadeja also went back to the pavilion shortly after.&nbsp;</p>
<p>With seven down at a score of 178, Patel’s responsibility was to help the team put up a fighting total on the board. Patel stepped up during the crucial moment as he scored 26 off 36, which helped the Men in Blue give the target of 214 to the co-hosts. The 29-year-old’s batting effort boosted Indian bowlers’ confidence as they bundled out the six-time Asia Cup champions on 172 and guided India to register a 41-run win.</p>
<p>During the final Super Four match against Bangladesh, Axar hurt his wrist and forearm while batting. The injury prevented his participation in the final against Sri Lanka. The all-rounder might not participate in the initial 2023 World Cup games due to niggles.&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<h3>3. Naseem Shah</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1693301519086_Naseem-Shah.jpeg" alt="Naseem Shah" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Naseem Shah (Photo Source: twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/odi-world-cup-2023-pakistan-announce-15-man-squad/" title="Naseem Shah " target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Naseem Shah&nbsp;</strong></a>is one of the backbones of Pakistan’s pace attack. The speedster looked in amazing rhythm against India in the group match. He picked up 3/36 figures in 8.5 overs and received appreciation for his superb bowling display in the match. He continued his brilliant form in the Super Four match against Bangladesh.</p>
<p>Playing at the Gaddafi Stadium, Naseem supported Haris Rauf and concluded his spell with 3/34 figures. In the high-octane match against India, Naseem injured his bowling shoulder which didn’t allow him to come out to bat in the match. The worst happened after two days when the young pacer failed to be a part of Pakistan’s playing XI in the important game against Sri Lanka, in Colombo.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Naseem’s absence was felt in the must-win contest as the Men in Green failed to save the target of 252 runs in 42 overs. The 20-year-old hasn’t featured in Pakistan’s 15-member World Cup 2023 squad. Hasan Ali will fill his shoes to reinforce Pakistan’s pace attack in the marquee competition.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>2. Shreyas Iyer</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1693839958772_Shreyas-Iyer.jpeg" alt="Shreyas Iyer" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Shreyas Iyer. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Shreyas Iyer made a comeback in international cricket after five and a half months with his appearance in the match against Pakistan in the group round. During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2022-23, the 28-year-old got his back injured which forced him to stay away from cricket.</p>
<p>In India’s opening game against the arch-rivals, Iyer went back to the pavilion after scoring 14 off nine but looked in good touch by hitting a couple of fours. After the high-voltage game, the right-handed batter played the match against Nepal but didn’t get a chance to bat. In the Super Four round, he didn’t play any matches due to a back spasm.</p>
<p>Before the start of the India-Pakistan game in the Super Four round, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/ahmedabad-flight-ticket-prices-soar-by-415-for-india-vs-pakistan-world-cup-showdown/" title="India" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India</strong></a> skipper Rohit Sharma informed that Iyer won’t be participating in the match due to the niggle. Following the contest against Pakistan, India didn’t get Iyer’s services in further games against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as well.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>1. Haris Rauf</h3>
<figure class="image align-center"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1694273438767_Virat-Kohli-and-Haris-Rauf.jpeg" alt="Virat Kohli and Haris Rauf" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Virat Kohli and Haris Rauf. (Photo Source: Daniel Pockett-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/odi-world-cup-2023-pakistan-announce-15-man-squad/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pakistan</strong></a> faced a huge setback after the match against India in the Super Four. Along with Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf was also ruled out of the competition before the match against Sri Lanka. Ahead of the India-Pakistan game reserve day, the paceman stayed out of action as a precaution due to side strain during the match practice.</p>
<p>Rauf’s unavailability in the game against Sri Lanka ruined Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2023 campaign as the co-hosts took advantage of Pakistan’s frail pace attack and chased down the 252 in 42 overs. Rauf was the leading wicket-taker in the Asia Cup 2023 when he left the tournament.&nbsp;He had picked up nine wickets in four matches of the competition and the speedster had guided his team to a seven-wicket win with his four-wicket haul against Bangladesh in the Super Four. His presence could’ve turned things around for the two-time Asia Cup champions. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

India had an amazing campaign in the 2023 Asia Cup as they became the title winners for the eighth time, beating Sri Lanka in the final at the R. Premadasa Stadium, in Colombo. After the tournament, I

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