In a concern for the Indian team, all-rounder Axar Patel has been reportedly ruled out of the upcoming third and final ODI against Australia which will be played on September 27, 2023, in Rajkot as he is yet to recover from his hamstring and quad injury.
Axar was not named in the Indian squad for the first two ODIs by the BCCI but was conditionally selected for the Rajkot ODI. He had suffered a quad injury during the Bangladesh match in the Asia Cup 2023 tournament, where he played a valiant knock in India’s close defeat.
Reports in Cricbuzz have stated that the India all-rounder hasn’t sufficiently recovered from a left quadriceps strain to be included in the squad. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
Axar’s unavailability raises hopes that Ravichandran Ashwin, who has replaced the left-arm spinner, could potentially participate in the World Cup. In the first two one-day internationals, Ashwin has performed exceptionally well, claiming four wickets and, more significantly, troubling Australian hitters, particularly during the encounter in Indore on Sunday. His selection for the World Cup team has been demanded as a result of this.
But BCCI sources said that Axar, who was selected ahead of Ashwin, is on track for a return to the Indian team well in time for the World Cup. At this stage, however, Ashwin’s chances appear promising, and the selectors have not announced a replacement for Axar for the upcoming game.
Shubman Gill And Shardul Thakur Rested, Won’t Travel To Rajkot With Indian Team
Also, the report stated that the BCCI selectors granted rest to Shubman Gill and Shardul Thakur and the duo will not travel to Rajkot for the third ODI. The team will also benefit from the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who were given rest for the initial two games of the current three-match series. Also returning would be Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the second ODI.
The selectors will have to name the final 15-player World Cup squad by September 27. India and Australia sides will fly out of Indore for Rajkot on Tuesday afternoon. The home team leads the three-game series 2-0.
