For the ODI World Cup, which begins on October 5, India’s 15-player roster did not include R Ashwin. However, after all-arounder Axar Patel suffered an unlucky setback, his chances of participating in the main event have improved.
Axar was originally selected for the 15-man World Cup roster, but the 29-year-old is currently in a fight against time to make it to the major tournament after suffering an injury during the Asia Cup. He was unable to play in the current three-match ODI series against Australia and was replaced by the seasoned Ravichandran Ashwin. The off-spinner from Tamil Nadu, who has so far played in the first two ODIs, has displayed excellent form.
Aaron Finch, a former captain of Australia, said that although R Ashwin could have a difficult time making the World Cup roster, the players who will compete in the famous tournament should benefit from his experience. Finch continued by saying Ashwin might serve as a coach for the “Men in Blue” during the World Cup.
Finch told Star Sports ahead of the third ODI on September 27 in Rajkot, “I think he (Ashwin) might struggle to make it to the final 15, but as someone who has played so much cricket, I think the rest of the group that is with the Indian team for this current series against Australia, they could learn so much about big gameplay.”
“R Ashwin has demonstrated throughout his career that he can perform well in crucial games, whether they are Test matches or T20 games.
Therefore, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was serving as a group mentor at the moment, but, regrettably, I don’t see him making it to the last 15 players.
Following a stellar effort in Indore, where he concluded with figures of 3/41 in seven overs, Ashwin lost 47 runs for one wicket in his allotted overs at Mohali. The Australian batsmen who were trying to score against him appeared to be at sea since he exploited his variations to good effect.
If Axar doesn’t recover in time after such notable performances, Ashwin might very well make a late entry into the Indian World Cup team. India, who leads Australia 2-0 in the series, will try to sweep Australia by winning the meaningless third ODI on September 27 in Rajkot.
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