IND vs PAK 2022: "There are some problems now after Ravindra Jadeja's injury" - Aakash Chopra on India's playing XI for Pakistan clash 

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that Ravindra Jadeja's absence could have a major impact on the Indian team's overall combination in their upcoming matches in the ongoing Asia Cup 2022.

He pointed out that when an all-rounder like Jadeja or Hardik Pandya has to miss out, the team management is forced to replace them with two players to maintain the team balance.

Chopra opined that the Indian think tank might have to alter its plans as Jadeja has been ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury. Speaking on his YouTube channel on Sunday, September 4, he said:

"There are some problems now after Ravindra Jadeja's injury. Hardik Pandya and Jadeja are the types of players that if they are gone, then you need two guys to fill their shoes. The Indian think tank will be thinking that they had sent Ravindra Jadeja at No. 4 to counter the Pakistani spinners.

"But they won't be able to do the same with Axar Patel. So they might be contemplating playing both Axar and Rishabh. But in this case, Dinesh Karthik will have to sit out."

Jadeja played a major role in India's wins over Pakistan and Hong Kong in the group stage of the Asia Cup. The southpaw slammed 35 runs off 29 balls against Pakistan, helping the Men in Blue chase down a total of 147.

He was impressive with the ball in the subsequent clash against Hong Kong, bowling a miserly spell. Jadeja picked up one wicket in the encounter, conceding just 13 runs from his full quota of four overs.

Axar Patel, who was earlier named as one of the three reserve players for the Asia Cup, has replaced Jadeja in India's squad for their remaining fixtures.

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"If he again gets out early, things could get tricky" - Aakash Chopra on KL Rahul

Chopra further added that it would be important for KL Rahul to make an impact with the bat in the team's forthcoming Super 4 clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday.

He emphasized that the Indian side could be in trouble if the opening batter is once again dismissed early. Notably, Rahul was out for a golden duck in the very first over of India's run-chase against Pakistan.

The cricketer-turned-commentator suggested:

"KL Rahul is someone who can change the game. If he fires with the bat in the game, then there wouldn't be anything to worry about. But if he again gets out early, things could get tricky."

Following their clash with Pakistan on Sunday, Team India will lock horns with Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup on Tuesday (September 6) and Thursday (September 8), respectively.