There are increasing chances that Axar Patel will face the axe from India’s provisional 15-man squad for the World Cup 2023, and that R Ashwin will replace Axar in the WC squad.
Axar picked up a left quadriceps strain injury during the Asia Cup 2023. He missed the Asia Cup final, and also the ongoing 3 ODIs against Australia, in which Ashwin made a comeback and has put up two strong performances.
In the two high-scoring ODIs in Mohali and Indore, R Ashwin returned with figures of 1/47 and 3/41, which included wickets of David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne (twice), and Josh Inglis. Moreover, it was his skills and multiple variations that Ashwin showcased in taking those wickets that might have indicated the management and selectors that Ashwin is back to his best in white-ball cricket too.
Given that Axar is an understudy of Ravindra Jadeja, and both are unlikely to play in the same XI during the World Cup, Ashwin offers a variety of an off-spinner, plus he can bat too and can hold a place at the number 8 position – it makes up a strong case for his inclusion.
R Ashwin bowled exceptionally well vs Australia: Sunil Gavaskar
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar reckons if Axar doesn’t get fit by September 28, which is the last date for teams to announce their final squads for the World Cup, then Ashwin surely would get in the squad.
“The way he has bowled in the last two matches, I think he has made the cut for the World Cup squad. If there is even a hint of doubt on Axar Patel’s fitness, whether he’ll be completely fit for the entire World Cup; because any injury can be a recurring one and he needs to be careful. If the team management think they can’t take that chance with Axar because it is the World Cup and everyone wants their squad to be 100 percent fit; so if there are any doubts then Ashwin could make a comeback,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.
Gavaskar was impressed with R Ashwin’s performances in the first two ODIs vs Australia.
“He has bowled exceptionally well in the last 3-4 overs he bowled in Mohali, then the way he utilised the carrom ball in Indore. So if there are any doubts on Axar, Ashwin will come back into the team,” the commentator added.
