Ravichandran Ashwin, initially omitted from India’s 15-member squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup, has been called up to replace Axar Patel for the three-match series against Australia.
Axar Patel suffered an injury to his arm during India’s final Super 4 contest against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup. The left-arm orthodox spinner was replaced by Washington Sundar for the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka.
Following India’s dominant 10-wicket win against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma revealed that Axar Patel had sustained a small tear. Rohit expressed uncertainty about Axar’s availability for the first two games against Australia and said they would have to wait and see how his injury progressed.
“Axar had a small tear. It looks like maybe a week or ten days (to heal), I don’t know. We have to see how that injury progresses. Some guys recover quickly, and I hope that’s the case with him. I am not sure whether he will be able to play the first two games against Australia at home. But we will wait and see,” Rohit said.
While the initial squad for the World Cup was announced at the beginning of the month, Rohit Sharma clarified that doors were still open for players like Ravichandran Ashwin, who had not been selected among the 17 who traveled to Sri Lanka.
Rohit Sharma praises Ashwin
Rohit Sharma mentioned that Ashwin, a spinner-all-rounder, was in line for selection, and he had been in contact with him. He also emphasized that players were aware of their roles and the team’s decision-making process.
“As a spinner-all-rounder, Ashwin is in the line, I have been talking to him on the phone. The injury happened to Axar at the last minute and Washington was available, so he had to come and perform the role for us. He was cricket-fit because he was part of the Asian Games camp (in Bengaluru). I have been very clear with players about their roles. Everyone is in the loop,” the Indian captain stated.
Ravichandran Ashwin last played an ODI for India in January 2022 during the series against South Africa. His recent call-up is a response to Axar Patel’s injury, and it may provide Ashwin with the opportunity to contribute to India’s ODI campaign once again.
Ashwin has 151 ODI wickets from 113 appearances since his debut in 2010. He was part of the Indian squad that won the 2011 World Cup and reached the semifinals in the 2015 edition.
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