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After sealing the series and taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against Australia, the Men in Blue will aim to sweep the series, aiming to whitewash Australia this time at home as they take on the Kangaroos in the final ODI on Wednesday, 17th September 2023.
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But ahead of the third ODI against Australia, the Men in Blue have faced a major setback as all-rounder Axar Patel is set to miss the match. Patel, who sustained a left quadriceps strain during the Asia Cup 2023 in Sri Lanka, has been ruled out of the final ODI as he continues his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
It is to be further noted that Ravichandran Ashwin is likely to make it into the Playing XI for the final ODI, set to take place at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. If this happens, Ashwin could potentially replace Axar Patel in the ODI World Cup squad with bleak chances of Axar Patel regaining fitness in time for the marquee event.
Ashwin, who made a return to the 50-over format after last appearing in January 2022, has claimed four wickets in the ongoing ODI series against Australia in the 17 overs he has bowled. However, at this stage Ashwin’s return into the 50-over format appear promising as the selectors have not named a replacement for Axar Patel.
India squad for third ODI against Australia:
Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, R Ashwin, Washington Sundar