Reports: Avesh Khan ruled out of Asia Cup 2022 due to illness

India’s woes in the Asia Cup 2022 continue as Avesh Khan has reportedly been ruled out of the tournament, with Deepak Chahar named as his replacement. The 25-year-old was part of the Indian playing XI against Pakistan and Hong Kong but missed out on the Super four stages due to his illness. Head coach Rahul Dravid recently noted that Avesh should be fine for the back end of the tournament, however, it wasn’t to be the case.

Ravindra Jadeja has also been ruled out of the tournament and his injury came as a major blow to the side considering the balance he provides. The effect of his absence was visible in the defeat against Pakistan in the Super 4 and India will be hoping that Chahar could bring about success if he does make the playing XI.

“Avesh Khan ruled out of Asia Cup due to illness. Deepak Chahar replaces him in the squad,” a report said.

Deepak Chahar’s inclusion could sort out India’s combination issues

Deepak Chahar last played a T20I against West Indies in February, while he missed the entire IPL 2022 for the Chennai Super Kings. He recovered from his injury recently and was included for the ODIs against Zimbabwe where he played two games. It will be interesting to see if he can be back at his best given the pressure of the multi nation tournament.

Meanwhile, Chahar’s inclusion will mean that India will have the option to go in with three seamers, two spinner and Hardik Pandya as the all-rounder. The combination worked out well in the first two games for India and Chahar is a quite handy batter down the order. His new-ball skills have been quite productive and has the best figures by an Indian bowler in T20Is.

India will play their next game against Afghanistan on September 8 in the Super 4 stages, at the Dubai International Stadium.