KEY POINTS
Axar Patel will replace the absent Ravindra Jadeja in the team for the Asia Cup.
India may be in a lot of trouble figuring out who would replace Jadeja in the starting XI.

The absence of renowned all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja due to a knee injury dealt a serious setback to India's 2022 Asia Cup campaign. According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) official announcement, Jadeja has a right knee injury and is being treated by a medical staff.

Jadeja's spot in the team will be filled by Axar Patel, who was originally listed as a standby. Axar will shortly join the team in Dubai as India gets ready for their first Super 4 game, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday (September 4) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium against either Pakistan or Hong Kong, according to the BCCI announcement.

Axar's availability for the crucial match on Sunday is still unknown, which could require Team India to improvise in order to substitute Jadeja. Jadeja is not going to be an easy opponent because of his significant contributions with the bat, the ball, and his fielding in India's tournament run so far.

Here are three current team members who can replace Jadeja:

1. Deepak Hooda
   Deepak Hooda is the Indian team's most comparable alternative for Jadeja, outside of Axar. In fact, many will contend that Jadeja is better suited to make the starting XI than even Axar because of his growing importance with the bat, as was demonstrated by his promotion in the batting order against Pakistan. In particular in the T20 format, Hooda's international career has gotten off to an amazing start. He became the fourth Indian to strike a century in T20I cricket against Ireland in June of this year after a strong IPL 2022 run. In addition, Hooda is a versatile batter who can play anywhere and provides a useful off-spin option. He may be the ideal replacement for Jadeja's all-around value to the team.                              
2.  Ravichandran Ashwin 
   India will lose one of their top bowling options if Jadeja is not included in the team. This would open the door for experienced off-spinner spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to join Yuzvendra Chahal in the starting XI. After their successful season for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2022, Ashwin and Chahal will be a very potent spin-bowling combination. They are also accustomed to playing alongside one another. In his first season with RR, Ashwin also demonstrated growth as a T20 hitter, playing frequently at the number three position.                                                                       
3. Rishabh Pant
   The absence of a left-hander will be the biggest issue for Team India following Jadeja's departure. After Dinesh Karthik beat him out for a berth against Pakistan in the tournament opener, this might end up being Rishabh Pant's return to the team. Hardik Pandya's absence against Hong Kong gave Pant a chance, but there is little question that Hardik will reclaim his place in the starting XI. Due to the dearth of left-handers and the opposition's persistent use of left-arm and leg-spin against India, Pant may have to be reinserted into the starting XI, even if it means sacrificing a bowling option.