Axar Patel's availability remains uncertain for first two matches against Australia, reveals Rohit Sharma

All-rounder Axar Patel is likely to miss the first two ODIs of the series against Australia, which is slated to begin on September 22. The Gujarat-born cricketer is currently dealing with a hamstring injury, and hence he is expected to be out of action for at least 10 more days. 

Notably, Axar has played an important part in the national team in the recent past and courtesy of the same, he has been named in the 15-member squad for the ODI World Cup. Meanwhile, he suffered an unfortunate injury in the match against Bangladesh and was ruled out of the Asia Cup finals against Sri Lanka on September 17. Washington Sundar replaced him in the playing XI and as things stand, the same can happen in the series against Australia as well.

Speaking about Axar after the win against Sri Lanka, India skipper Rohit Sharma stated that the cricketer suffered a tear and everything depends on how quickly he recovers. He sounds optimistic regarding Axar’s recovery, but doesn’t want to risk ahead of the World Cup.

“Axar, he had a small tear, not sure. Looks like may be a week or 10 days. We just have to wait and see how his injury progresses because every individual is different. Some guys recover quickly. I am hoping with Axar that’s the case. We will wait and see what happens with him. I am not too sure if he will play the first two games against Australia at home. But we will wait and see,” Rohit was quoted as saying by India Today.

Shreyas Iyer is looking good at this point in time: Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma also confirmed that Shreyas Iyer is looking good at this point and the team management isn’t concerned about his fitness. He is said to have ticked the majority of the parameters and has batted and fielded long during the practice.

“He was not available for this game because there were certain parameters kept for him to tick off. Today, I think he completed most of it. 99 percent, he should be okay, as of now. He batted and field for long hours, before we came today, he was on the ground. So he is looking good at this point in time, I don’t think it’s a worry for us,” Rohit mentioned.