In a predictable move, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who had participated in just two ODIs since 2017 prior to his selection for the ODI series against Australia, has taken the place of Axar Patel in the Team India squad. This change was necessitated as Axar Patel, who was part of the provisional squad, failed to fully recover from a left quadriceps strain.
The signs were evident when Axar could not regain fitness in time for the third ODI against Australia in Rajkot. Ashwin had showcased his skills effectively in the first two ODIs against Australia before being rested for the final game in Rajkot.
Ashwin contributed by taking one wicket in the initial ODI in Mohali on Friday and three wickets in the subsequent match against Australia in Indore on Sunday.
The ICC announced in a media release, “Axar Patel has failed to recover in time for the World Cup after sustaining a left quadriceps strain during India’s Asia Cup Super Four encounter against Bangladesh. The spin-bowling all-rounder missed the final of the Asia Cup as a result.”
The release further mentioned, “Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been named his replacement, who was impressive on his return to ODI cricket in the recently concluded series against Australia where he picked up four wickets in two games.”
Axar sustained the injury during India’s Asia Cup Super Four loss to Bangladesh, where he contributed with both the ball, taking a wicket, and the bat, scoring 42 runs.
Ashwin has joined the Indian team in Guwahati, where they are scheduled to play their first warm-up game against England on Saturday, September 30. India, the two-time champions and hosts, will commence their World Cup campaign against Australia on October 8 in Chennai.
