Rohit Sharma gives key injury updates on Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer ahead of Australia ODI series

Team India’s triumph in the Asia Cup 2023 has brought them much-needed momentum as they prepare for the upcoming ODI World Cup on home soil. However, the joy of victory is accompanied by concerns over injuries to key players. Captain Rohit Sharma addressed the status of Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer’s injuries following their successful Asia Cup campaign as India shifts its focus to the upcoming ODI series against Australia.

India’s final assignment before the World Cup is a crucial three-match ODI series against the five-time champions, Australia, commencing on September 22 in Mohali. The second and third matches are scheduled for September 24 in Indore and September 27 in Baroda, respectively. This series will play a pivotal role in India’s selection process for the World Cup XI, which begins on October 5. Therefore, India is eager to ensure the fitness of all 15 squad members.

However, the status of Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel remains uncertain due to injuries sustained during the Asia Cup. Iyer, who returned to the squad after a seven-month hiatus, experienced a recurrence of his back injury after just one appearance. Axar Patel, on the other hand, was ruled out after sustaining an injury during the match against Bangladesh, leading to Washington Sundar’s inclusion in the Asia Cup final.

Rohit Sharma addressed these injury concerns during a post-match press conference in Colombo. He provided an update on Axar Patel’s condition, mentioning a small tear and expressing uncertainty about his availability for the initial matches against Australia. He emphasized that recovery timelines can vary, and they will monitor his progress closely.

Regarding Shreyas Iyer, Rohit explained that certain parameters were set for his fitness evaluation, and he had not met all of them before the Sri Lanka match. However, Rohit expressed confidence in Iyer’s progress, stating that he appeared to be 99 percent fit after extensive batting and fielding sessions. He considered Iyer’s situation to be a minor concern and expects him to be available for the upcoming series.

In the event that Axar Patel is unable to participate in the first two matches against Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to announce his replacement. Notably, Washington Sundar is unlikely to be considered for the role, as he is scheduled to represent India in the Asian Games later this month in China.