Former Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan has said that the injury to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has affected the balance of India and eventually they got out of the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup. However, Ravindra Jadeja suffered a right knee injury and he was subsequently ruled out of the tournament. The BCCI then added Axar Patel to the squad as a replacement player.

However, India surprised Pakistan in their first game by sending left-hander Jadeja at number four, which played on the minds of Pakistan and affected their plans for the Indian team as well. India’s trick worked as Jadeja supported Hardik Pandya pretty well to form a match-winning partnership before Hardik took the team to the finish line with a five-wicket victory over Pakistan.

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Asghar Afghan, however, has said that India were strong on paper and favourites to win the Asia Cup as well, but didn’t stop from saying that India took things a little light during the tournament. However, Ravindra Jadeja will also miss the T20I series against Australia and South Africa and the T20 World Cup 2022 next month as well.

“On paper, they (India) were the best team to win the Asia Cup,” Asghar told Hindustan Times. “The kind of balance they had was great. But perhaps they took things a little light but the main reason for their losses in the Super 4 stage was the injury to Ravindra Jadeja. It really affected the balance of their side.”

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Meanwhile, earlier this month, Jadeja underwent surgery and shared it through his social media as well, saying: “The surgery was successful. There are many people to thank for their support and involvement – BCCI, my teammates, support staff, physios, doctors and the fans. I will start my rehab soon and try to get back to cricket soon as I can. Thank you to everyone for your kind wishes.”