Hardik Pandya ruled out of Asia Cup; Deepak Chahar likely to replace

Hardik Pandya ruled out of Asia Cup: Indian all-rounder will not be able to take further part in the ongoing Asia Cup in UAE.

Having injured his lower back while bowling against Pakistan at Dubai yesterday, India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the Asia Cup. Rajasthan medium-pacer Deepak Chahar is all in likeliness to replace the 24-year old all-rounder.

If India choose to name Chahar, they will perhaps get a better bowler but will lose out on Pandya’s big hitting abilities. It is also worth mentioning that India don’t really have many options in the domestic setup when it comes to replacing fast bowling all-rounders.

Chahar had gained recognition after his consistent performances in the domestic circuit for the last couple of years. Representing Chennai Super Kings in the IPL (Indian Premier League) this year, he registered impressive numbers, picking up 10 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 27.80, an economy rate of 7.28 and a strike rate of 22.90.

It was his IPL performance which aided him in representing India against England in the third T20I of the series in July. Bowling figures of 4-0-43-1 in that match might not promise much about him but more chances in the national side will help in proving his mettle.

During the 56th match of IPL 2018 between Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab at Pune, Chahar was promoted up the order at No. 6 (ahead of MS Dhoni). In a 154-run target, Chahar played well for his 39 (20). His innings comprised of one four and three sixes.

Chahar has a couple of First-class half-centuries to his name as well which signify that he has it in him to bat. Whether he will be able to match Pandya’s skills down the order (if he straight away into the playing XI), only time will be able to tell.

Chahar will be landing in Dubai on Thursday, a BCCI source confirmed to PTI.

About the author

Dixit Bhargav

Born and brought up in Pathankot, Dixit Bhargav is an engineering and sports management graduate who works as a Cricket Editor at The SportsRush. Having written more than 10,000 articles across more than five years at TSR, his first cricketing memory dates back to 2002 when former India captain Sourav Ganguly had waved his jersey at the historic Lord’s balcony. What followed for an 8-year-old was an instant adulation for both Ganguly and the sport. The optimist in him is waiting for the day when Punjab Kings will win their maiden Indian Premier League title. When not watching cricket, he is mostly found in a cinema hall watching a Punjabi movie.

Read More