Axar Patel has been ruled out of the third and final ODI against Australia. Cricbuzz understands that the India all-rounder, who’s dealing with a left quadriceps strain and had been conditionally selected for the Rajkot ODI, hasn’t sufficiently recovered 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. Ashwin has displayed outstanding form in the first two ODIs, securing four wickets and, more notably, showcasing top-notch bowling skills that have seemingly troubled Australian batters, especially during the match in Indore on Sunday. This has led to calls for his inclusion in the World Cup squad.However, sources within the BCCI suggest 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.
Indications are that Axar could be ready for the World Cup warm-up games. This could put Ajit Agarkar & Co in a serious dilemma. At this stage, however, Ashwin’s chances appear promising, and the selectors have not announced a replacement for Axar for the upcoming game.
Shubman, Shardul rested
The Axar Patel development coincides with the national selectors granting rest to Shubman Gill and Shardul Thakur for the Rajkot game. Consequently, neither of them will be making the journey from Indore to Rajkot.
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. Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested after the first ODI in Mohali and didn’t travel to Indore, is expected to rejoin the team in Rajkot, where the third and final ODI against Australia is scheduled for September 27.
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.
