Harbhajan Singh Voices Concerns Despite India’s 1st T20I Victory Over New Zealand
In the opening match of the T20I series, India triumphed over New Zealand by 48 runs, setting a high bar for the rest of the series. However, concerns linger regarding the injury status of key all-rounder Axar Patel.
Axar Patel’s Injury Raises Concerns
During the first T20I in Nagpur, Axar Patel sustained a finger injury while attempting to field a shot from Daryl Mitchell. The incident occurred in the midst of an intense match, prompting Patel to leave the field for medical assistance. Abhishek Sharma stepped in to complete Patel’s over.
Harbhajan Singh’s Comments
Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh shared his apprehensions about Patel’s injury. On his YouTube channel, he stated, “I hope that it is not a serious injury and that he recovers soon. We need him for the T20 World Cup.” Harbhajan emphasized Patel’s importance in the team and expressed hope for his quick recovery.
Match Highlights
India’s batting showcased remarkable strength, scoring 238 runs for 7 wickets in their 20 overs. Abhishek Sharma was the star of the innings, scoring a spectacular 84 runs off just 35 balls, including eight sixes and five fours. His explosive performance put India in a commanding position.
New Zealand’s Response
In response, New Zealand struggled to keep pace with the high target. They managed to score only 190 runs for 7 wickets, falling short despite a strong 78 runs from Glenn Phillips. The defeat placed India firmly ahead in the five-match series with a 1-0 lead.
Looking Ahead
- Key Players to Watch: Axar Patel (if fit), Abhishek Sharma, Glenn Phillips.
- Next Matches: Continuation of the T20I series with New Zealand.
- T20 World Cup: All eyes are on player fitness ahead of the major tournament.
As the series progresses, the health of Axar Patel will be crucial for India’s ambitions and their performance against New Zealand. Fans will be hoping for positive updates on his condition soon.
