Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has observed a recurring trend in Indian cricket, where senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is being called back into the team ahead of World Cups. Chopra believes that Axar Patel's injury has provided yet another opportunity for Ashwin to potentially participate in the upcoming World Cup.

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Axar's unavailability for the first two ODIs against Australia, due to a left quadriceps strain he sustained during the Super Four match against Bangladesh, has prompted Ashwin's return to the one-day team.

This decision holds significance as the Australia series will be India's final assignment before the World Cup. Interestingly, Ashwin was unexpectedly recalled to the T20I squad for the World Cup in Australia last year.

“Interestingly enough, this happens before every World Cup. If you look at the last two, three World Cups, he doesn’t get picked for a year leading up to the World Cup - whether it is T20 or ODI. Just before the World Cup, Indian cricket suddenly remembers Ashwin,” Chopra said on his YiuTube channel.

Chopra further emphasized that Axar's injury has presented an opportunity for the Indian team to include an off-spinner in the World Cup squad, provided that Axar fails to recuperate in time.

“An off-spinner was being missed. The World Cup squad that was selected did not have an off-spinner. Due to Axar’s injury, suddenly there’s an opening and so, along with Washington Sundar, Ashwin has also come into the picture.”

In India's 15-member World Cup squad, Axar, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav are the sole slow bowling options available.

The former cricketer suggests that due to his experience, Ashwin will be favored over Washington Sundar if there is only room for one in the playing XI.

“I feel when the match happens in Mohali, Ashwin will play ahead of Washi," Chopra added. 

"Of course, Washington could also play because there are only three spinners in the team - Ravindra Jadeja, Ashwin and Sundar.""I feel Ashwin will be the first-choice spinner and Sundar the second. When you pick a senior player, he straightaway moves to the front of the pecking order," Chopra concluded.

India is scheduled to compete in three One Day International (ODI) matches against Australia, taking place from September 22nd to September 27th. These thrilling encounters will be held in the cities of Mohali, Indore, and Rajkot.

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