India's fast-bowling all-rounder Harshal Patel is set to miss Asia Cup 2022 starting later this month in United Arab Emirates (UAE). The rib injury can also lead to him getting ruled out of T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia, as per a report by Cricbuzz.
This is a big blow for India as Patel has been the go-to bowler in T20Is in slog overs. Patel got picked in the T20I squad after a record performance for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.
He made his debut in the T20I series against New Zealand after India were knocked out of T20 World Cup 2021 group stage. So far, Harshal has played 17 T20Is and picked up 23 wickets at an average of 20.95. His best bowling performance of 4/25 came against South Africa in June 2022.
In his absence, fit-again Deepak Chahar can be his replacement in the T20 Asia Cup squad which is expected to be announced on August 8 (Monday). The fast-bowling all-rounder is making a comeback after recovering from back injury which he sustained in February during T20I series against West Indies.
Chahar will be seen in action in the three-ODI series against Zimbabwe just before the Asia Cup. Earlier, there were also reports that Chahar can be a part of Asia Cup T20 squad. It is yet to be seen whether a 15-man squad or an extended squad will be announced.
On the other hand, Deepak has picked up 26 wickets from 20 T20Is at an average of 22.26. He holds the record for best bowling figures in T20Is. He took six wickets for seven runs against Bangladesh.
