Who Can Replace Harshal Patel: Harshal Patel has been one of the leading wicket-takers post the T20 World Cup 2021. He was a large part of India’s plans for the World Cup down under. But India’s plans might be tested as Harshal Patel has suffered a hip injury. He hasn’t taken part in any game since the England series. Patel has been ruled out of Asia Cup 2022. He is fighting a race against time to get fit for the World Cup.
The sure-shot pacers:
Jasprit Bumrah without a doubt will lead the pace attack. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has stormed his way back into the side. Arshdeep Singh with his left-arm angle is certain to partner these two. This trio has all but booked their tickets to Australia for the World Cup. It is about the fourth seamer’s spot that is at stake in case Harshal Patel misses out.
We Look at 3 Possible Replacements For Harshal Patel At The T20 World Cup 2022:
#3 Avesh Khan
He was one of the star performers at the U-19 World Cup in 2016. Avesh Khan had two consecutive top IPL seasons in 2021 and 2022. He has the ability to bowl across different phases. Khan has been given consistent chances post the T20 World Cup 2021.
The team management is keen to see how Khan fares in the lead-up to the World Cup. Khan has played 13 games so far picking 11 wickets at an average of 31.8 conceding runs at 8.67 per over. He needs something special to board that flight to Australia.
#2 Shardul Thakur
He was part of India’s pace battery in the last T20 World Cup. Shardul Thakur was expected to shore up the batting in the lower order. He got a chance in the game against New Zealand but Thakur just couldn’t get going. He has hardly played international games in this format post the World Cup. But he had a fairly decent IPL last season. It will be interesting to see if Thakur still features in India’s plans for the World Cup down under.
#1 Deepak Chahar
He was one of the standbys for the World Cup last year. Deepak Chahar soon entered the fray as a first-choice seamer. He has the ability to swing the ball both ways. Chahar is a handy batsman too. He can smash it big at the end of an innings. Chahar has already played quite a few cameos that have taken the team over the line.
He has picked 26 wickets in 20 games at an average of 22.3. His strike rate of 16.1 is super impressive too. He is one of the frontrunners who could replace Harshal Patel as he provides like to like skillset too.