Why is Monank Patel not playing today's IND vs USA 2024 T20 World Cup match?
The United States of America (USA) cricket team captain Monank Patel is not playing in the Group A clash against India in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He is dealing with a niggle and Aaron Jones is leading the side for the encounter at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Wednesday, June 12.
Monank played a huge role in the USA's monumental win over Pakistan recently in Dallas. The opening batter scored a fifty and was adjudged Player of the Match for his efforts. From the captaincy point of view as well, he has been incredible, leading the side to two consecutive wins in a row, and on the brink of securing a historic qualification into the Super 8 stages.
Stand-in captain Aaron Jones stated that Monank Patel is not dealing with a huge injury, and should be available to lead the side once again in their final group stage game against Ireland in the coming days.
"We would have bowled first as well, there's some help for the bowlers early. Monank is having a niggle and should be back quickly. It should be a good game and we're looking to play well. The camp is very positive, just looking to play some good cricket," Jones said at the toss after being put into bat first by India.
This is the first-ever international meeting between India and the USA. This also marks the final contest in New York in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Who has replaced Monank Patel in the USA playing XI?
While Aaron Jones has taken up Monank Patel's leadership duties, it is Shayan Jahangir who has taken up the vacant spot in the opening combination. The Pakistani-born 29-year-old has played only a solitary T20I to date, during the recent home series against Bangladesh.
He scored 18 runs off 20 deliveries as the USA crumbled to 104/9 and the team missed out on a potential whitewash in the three-match series.
Meanwhile, Team India have named an unchanged playing XI in a bid to secure their third win in a row, and seal their progress into the Super Eight stages.