Ahead of their Super-4 clash against arch-rivals Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup, Team India suffered a massive blow as all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja got ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury.

The BCCI has named Akshar Patel as his replacement for the remainder of the Asia Cup 2022 matches.

Jadeja was in good touch with both bat and ball in the group stage. The southpaw played a key role in India’s thrilling 5-wicket win over Pakistan in their tournament opener, scoring 35 runs while batting at No. 4.

Against Hong Kong, he didn’t get an opportunity to bat but returned with the bowling figures of 1/15 in his four overs and also affected a brilliant run-out.

Amid the recent development, former India opener Aakash Chopra has said that Jadeja’s knee injury is a major concern for the Rohit Sharma-led side as he has been facing such issues regularly in recent times.

“Jadeja’s injury is disturbing news because it is not the first time. It is turning out to be a recurring injury and although you have Akshar Patel as a replacement, can you afford Ravindra Jadeja’s absence in the long run? He brings the balance to the T20I team just like Hardik does and can even bat at No. 4 or No. 5 if India wants a left-hander," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

According to Aakash Chopra, Ravindra Jadeja’s injury might force the Indian team management to make some radical changes in the playing XI.

“Will India make a couple of changes in Jadeja’s absence? I am saying this because as good a batter Akshar is, you can’t send him at No. 4 if you want to neutralize Shadab or Nawaz. So you need Rishabh Pant. But then it also means there is no place for Dinesh Karthik. So you might see radical changes being made," he added.