IND vs SL Asia Cup 2023 final: India call SRH star as back-up for doubtful all-rounder

India are facing an injury doubt a day ahead of the Asia Cup 2023 final against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Sunday. All-rounder Axar Patel, who scored 42 in the losing effort against Bangladesh, received a knock during Friday’s match.

Facing a selection dilemma, the Board of Control for Cricket in India selectors have called in SunRisers Hyderabad star Washington Sundar as back-up spin all-rounder in case Axar is not available to play, ANI reported citing BCCI sources.

Axar Patel received a blow from the ball to his hand while batting during India's last Super Four Asia Cup match against Bangladesh. It is to be noted that the final call regarding Axar's status for the summit clash is yet to be taken by the team management.

The bowling all-rounder has scored 68 runs at an average of 34.00 and taken one wicket in two matches at Asia Cup 2023. His back-up, Sundar can prove useful as a left-handed batter and right-arm off-break bowler for Rohit Sharma-led India. Sunday has represented India in 16 ODIs till now, scoring 233 runs in nine innings with one half century. He has 16 ODI wickets to his name.

Seven-time Asia Cup champions India will face off against six-time champions Sri Lanka in the 2023 edition’s final at Colombo on Sunday. 

(Inputs from ANI)