Axar had suffered a quadriceps tear during the recently concluded Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, which caused him to miss the final match against Sri Lanka on Sunday.
Experienced off-spinner R Ashwin has made a remarkable comeback to the Indian ODI team for the upcoming three-match series against Australia. His inclusion in the squad puts him in direct competition with Washington Sundar for a potential spot in the World Cup, provided Axar Patel does not recover in time for the global event.
To ensure the senior players are mentally fresh for the highly anticipated World Cup, skipper Rohit Sharma, senior batter Virat Kohli, all-rounder Hardik Pandya, and in-form spinner Kuldeep Yadav have been given a well-deserved rest for the first two games.
K L Rahul will take charge as the captain for the initial two matches against Australia, with Rohit Sharma returning to lead a fully equipped squad in the third and final ODI, just before the World Cup commences on October 5. The team for the third game effectively represents the 15 players selected for the World Cup, including Ashwin and Washington.
Ashwin, who last played an ODI in South Africa back in January 2022, could potentially be a last-minute addition to the World Cup squad if Axar fails to recover before the September 28 deadline set by the International Cricket Council.
Axar had suffered a quadriceps tear during the recently concluded Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, which caused him to miss the final match against Sri Lanka on Sunday.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated that both Ashwin and Washington are being considered as potential replacements if Axar fails to recover in time.
"There are couple of guys anyways, him and Washington. Look basically, what is being made known to us about Axar's injury is that he should be okay and call we will make it once we know that but it leaves us with option to check these guys if they need to go that way," Agarkar told the media during a virtual session.
"If the need arises, we will look at that way but I don't think there is any need to speculate right now because we are hoping that Axar is fit," he added.
Ashwin, who had been excluded from the India ODI squad since the Champions Trophy in 2017, was given another opportunity in January of last year during the ODI series in South Africa. However, his return to the team was short-lived as he was once again sidelined. Similarly, Ashwin's T20 career has followed a similar path, with the 37-year-old being dropped from the team after the World Cup in Australia last year. Additionally, Shreyas Iyer, who has been prone to injuries, was only able to participate in two matches during the Asia Cup due to a back spasm. Nevertheless, he is now available for all three ODIs.
"He got through his batting programme fine and at the moment, he is fit. We hope that he gets through all these three games," said Agarkar.
The first One Day International (ODI) match will take place in Mohali on September 22nd, followed by the second match in Indore on September 24th, and the third match in Rajkot on September 27th. Afterward, India will participate in two World Cup warm-up games against England and Netherlands on September 30th and October 3rd, respectively, in Guwahati and Trivandrum. Finally, India will kick off their tournament by facing Australia in Chennai on October 8th.
READ| Big relief for cricketer Mohammed Shami as court grants bail in estranged wife's case, check details
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Image Source: Twitter")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}