As India prepares to face New Zealand in the second T20 International at Raipur, the team management is grappling with a significant injury concern. Vice-captain Axar Patel, who sustained a finger injury during the first T20I in Nagpur, is likely to be rested for the upcoming match.
Axar Patel's Injury and Potential Rest
During Wednesday's match in Nagpur, Axar Patel was struck on the finger by a powerful shot from New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell while bowling. The impact forced him to leave the field immediately, and he did not return for the remainder of the overs. With the second T20I scheduled just one day after the first encounter, and the T20 World Cup looming just three weeks away, the Indian team is considering a cautious approach.
Kuldeep Yadav's Probable Inclusion
If Axar Patel is indeed rested, left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav appears to be the frontrunner to take his place in the playing eleven. Although India also has Ravi Bishnoi available in the squad, team selectors are leaning towards Kuldeep Yadav as the preferred option. This potential change, however, comes with a trade-off: it would weaken India's batting depth, a concern compounded by the absence of the injured Washington Sundar.
New Zealand's Likely Strategy
On the other side, New Zealand is not expected to make drastic changes following their narrow loss in the first match. However, one adjustment they might consider is bringing in experienced pacer Matt Henry to replace Kristian Clarke, who had a challenging outing in Nagpur.
Predicted Playing Elevens
India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel/Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun CV
New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Devon Conway (wicketkeeper), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Kristian Clarke/Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
Full Squads for the T20I Series
India: Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav
New Zealand: Devon Conway (wicketkeeper), Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, James Neesham, Matt Henry, Michael Bracewell, Zakary Foulkes, Bevon Jacobs
The match promises to be a crucial encounter as both teams fine-tune their combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup. India's decision regarding Axar Patel's fitness and Kuldeep Yadav's potential inclusion will be closely watched by cricket enthusiasts.
