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The ICC Cricket World Cup, billed as the “flagship event of the international cricket calendar,” is scheduled to return with its 13th edition on October 5 of this year in India. With just weeks remaining to the quadrennial spectacle, the teams have the option to finalise their 15-member squad prior to September 28, after which, the replacements will require approval from the ICC.
Axar Patel’s unfortunate injury
As far as India are concerned, there is a big question mark on Axar Patel, in regard to him staying in the squad for the ODI World Cup 2023. The reason being the left quadriceps strain he suffered during the final Super Fours match against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023.
Axar Patel was initially given a rest from the first two ODIs of the ongoing series against Australia, to get him fit for the final match at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on September 27. But now, the all-rounder is ruled out from the third ODI, because he has yet to recover from his injury.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s ODI return
Ravichandran Ashwin, the spin bowling all-rounder, who was named in the Indian squad for the ODI series against Australia, made an instant impact on the team on his return to the 50 overs cricket in nearly two years. At the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, he picked up the key wicket of Marnus Labuschagne, registering figures of 1-47 in 10 overs.
In the second ODI at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore, the off-spinner broke the 80-run partnership for the second wicket between David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne, scalping for both men. He also dismissed Josh Inglis lbw, ending up with figures of 3-41 in 7 overs, during a high score matchup between India and Australia.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s chances for ODI World Cup 2023 selection
With the status of Axar Patel in the 15-member squad for the ODI World Cup 2023 up in the air, Ravichandran Ashwin definitely has a chance to make his return to the quadrennial spectacle after eight years, on the back of decent performances in the ongoing series against Australia. It’s because the Indian team management and selectors can exercise the option to make that final change in the squad prior to September 28, as per the ICC regulation mentioned above.
