NEW DELHI: Former India great Harbhajan Singh expressed concern over the injury suffered by Indian all-rounder Axar Patel during the first T20I against New Zealand in Nagpur and hopes he recovers in time for the T20 World Cup.

Left-arm spinner Axar was forced to leave the field after injuring his fingers while bowling to Daryl Mitchell in the 16th over.

Mitchell, facing a half-volley on the stumps, drove the ball straight down the ground. In an attempt to stop it, Axar reached out with his left hand, but the ball struck the tips of his fingers and raced away for a boundary.

"I am concerned about one thing. Axar Patel suffered an injury to his finger, and I hope that it is not a serious injury and that he recovers soon. I seriously hope that he does not miss the World Cup for this reason, because we will need him. He is a crucial player for us," the spinner said on his YouTube channel.

Harbhajan further said that India are set to cruise through the five-match series following their dominant display in the opening encounter. The team posted a massive 238 in 20 overs, with Abhishek Sharma spearheading the innings with a blistering 84 off just 35 balls.

"The way Team India are playing, I have no doubt that they will win this series. India smashed 238-7 in 20 overs. Yes, you heard that right. This is the new way that Team India goes about things and just smashes opponents. 239 is such a big target, how could have New Zealand even tried to chase that down? New Zealand tried well, but they already lost the match after Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh's knocks," Harbhajan concluded.