India set to use star cricketer as trump card for ODI World Cup final against Australia

India vs Australia is all set to play in the showdown of the ODI World Cup 2023. Rohit Sharma's side has been the most formidable in the tournament. They won all their 10 matches and are the only unbeaten side in the competition so far. They are meeting the Aussies in the final after 20 years. The last time they met in 2003 the five-time world champions won the game by 125 runs. Rohit's side would love to take revenge at home and win the trophy after 2011. 

The two-time world champions had an optional practice session on Friday. Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah, along with Kuldeep Yadav, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill were absent from the practice. But the fans have gone into discussion after veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was seen bowling in the nets. He was along with the six players from the squad present at the nets, with the likes of KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishan Kishan, and Prasidh Krishna.

The veteran off-spinner was the last one included after all-rounder Axar Patel was ruled out of the competition due to an injury. Ashwin played only one match which was against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, in Chennai. He picked up one wicket but was economical in the game. 

Who will Ashwin replace if he plays?

Ashwin could replace Mohammed Siraj, who has a decent outing in this event. Australia has two left-handed openers in Travis Head and David Warner and the spinner has a good record against Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. The Tamil-Nadu-born spinner can be a trump card for India as the pitch might also have a turn and will be effective for the spinners. 

The final will see some of the greatest stars performing during and in between the innings break. The Suryakiran Indian Air Force airshow will take place after the toss from 1:30 pm IST to 1:50 PM IST. Performers like Pritam Chakraborty, Jonita Gandhi, Nakash Aziz, Amit Mishra, Akasa Singh, and Tushar Joshi.