'Accha selection hoga'- Fans react as star India spinner set to replace Axar Patel in World Cup 2023

Team India has already announced their 15-man squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup. But the two-time World champion has suffered a major fitness issue ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup, with all-rounder Axar Patel having picked up a hamstring injury, in the last Super 4 match against Bangladesh.

The left-arm spinner was ruled out of the Asia Cup 2023 final against Sri Lanka on Sunday and was replaced by off-spinner Washington Sundar. An official update by the Indian Cricket Board stated that Axar picked up a strain in the left quadriceps during the match against Bangladesh.

Ravichandran Ashwin or Washington Sundar to replace if Axar Patel?

Ravichandran Ashwin might be replacing Axar Patel if the latter is not fit for the World Cup, Ajit Agarkar said: "There are couple of guys anyway, both him (Ashwin) and Washington (Sundar). What we know with Axar's (Patel) injury that he should be okay. All will make it once we know that. But at least it leaves us with options. If these guys get a couple of games now, (it) gives the team management a few options if they need to go that way."

"If the need arises, we will probably have a look at it at that stage. But I don't think there is the need to speculate right now or make any decisions right now because we are hoping that Axar is fit."

Rohit Sharma said, "I don’t know. We have to see how that injury progresses. Some guys recover quickly, and I hope that’s the case with him. I am not sure whether he will be able to play the first two games against Australia at home. But we will wait and see."

Ravichandran Ashwin has returned after one year to the ODI squad for the three-match series against Australia right before the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup that is just around the corner.

India Squad for Australia series

Squad for the first two ODIs

KL Rahul (captain), Ravindra Jadeja (vice-captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.

Squad for third ODI

Rohit Sharma (captain), Hardik Pandya, (vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel (subject to fitness), Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami, Mohammed Siraj.

Here's how fans reacted

Ravi Ashwin always reminds me of saeed ajmal, they played together but we lost ajmal 💔
I want to see Ashwin in action in upcoming world cup he is a top class spinner 💪

— HayziL (@CricketMasala56) September 19, 2023

Ashwin nightmare for left handed batsman he must be picked if Axar is not available

— Anshu Chauhan (@chauhandwarrior) September 19, 2023

Left arm spiners bowl's better than right arm spiners in ODI

— ChaChu 😎 🇵🇰 (@Oay_Afaq) September 19, 2023

So Most Probably Axar will be out of the squad if Ashwin or Washi plays exceptionally in Aus ODIs

— Telugu Digi (@TeluguDz) September 19, 2023

Naaah Sundar is a best option

— Mintu Dutta (@MNGamin65372627) September 19, 2023

Ashwin has plenty experience, and he can be more vital player in World Cup if he play

— विजय (@bijjuu11) September 19, 2023

We want Ravi Ashwin's mind to win this world cup 🐐 most intelligent cricketer after Dhoni

— ORI_FCB 🗣️ (@Orient1300) September 19, 2023

अश्विन को होना चाहिए था

— MOWGLI (@AsliMowgli) September 19, 2023