Back in the ODI side after a gap of 20 months, R Ashwin has made a strong case of being included in India’s World Cup 2023 squad, which will be finalized on September 27, Wednesday, the day India play the 3rd ODI of the series against Australia.
But it seems that with his performances in the first two ODIs, R Ashwin has likely sealed his spot – and is likely to replace Axar Patel – in the World Cup squad. This was something that captain Rohit Sharma also hinted at in his press conference on the eve of the 3rd ODI.
In two high-scoring ODIs, R Ashwin returned with figures of 1/47 and 3/41, which included wickets of David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne (twice), and Josh Inglis.
Rohit Sharma hails the “class & experience” of R Ashwin
Axar Patel is currently recovering from a left quadriceps strain that he’d picked up during the Asia Cup 2023, and he’s set to miss the 3rd ODI as well. Even though he is expected to be fit by the time for the warm-up match on September 30, there is a feeling among the fans and experts that Axar is going to be replaced by Ashwin in the 15-man WC squad.
On the eve of the 3rd ODI, Rohit hailed Ashwin’s “class & experience”, and hinted that “in case” there could be a chance for Ashwin to be either included in the squad directly or being picked as a backup on standby.
“We cannot take away the class & experience of Ashwin. He bowled really well & has got some good variations up his sleeve. In case there is a chance, it works well for us because the backups are ready for the World Cup,” Rohit said on Jio Cinema.
Cricbuzz has reported that “Ashwin’s chances appear promising” of replacing Axar in the WC squad, even if Axar gains full fitness in the coming days.
The third IND vs AUS ODI will be played on Wednesday at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. India, having sealed the series already, decided to give rest to Shubman Gill, Shardul Thakur, Shami, and Hardik, while Rohit and Virat Kohli will make their return to the XI after being rested from the first two games.
