Ravichandran Ashwin has been recalled to the Indian ODI squad after nearly two years, following the injury to Axar Patel. Patel was ruled out of the Asia Cup final due to a hamstring injury, which could potentially keep him out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, as well as the initial games of the World Cup.
In light of Patel’s injury, Ashwin has been brought back into the fold, with former cricketer Mohammad Kaif saying that the veteran spinner would not have been in the World Cup picture had it not been for Patel’s injury.
“If Axar hadn’t been injured then we wouldn’t have seen this move and Ashwin would have never been in the scene,” Mohammad Kaif told Star Sports.
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He further added, “Now Axar has suffered a strain injury and that takes time to recover from. No matter what they say that he will be back in a week’s time but such injuries take at least 2-3 weeks to recover from. That is why they went for the experience in Ashwin. And remember, there is no comparison between Ashwin and Sundar. He has 900 wickets (712) across formats!”
Ashwin last played an ODI for India in July 2021, against Sri Lanka. He has been in good form in recent months, however, taking 42 wickets in 14 Tests at an average of 18.23. His recall to the ODI squad is a welcome boost for India, who are looking to build a strong team for the World Cup. Ashwin is a world-class spinner and his experience and wicket-taking ability will be invaluable to the team.
Axar Patel’s injury is a major blow to India, as he is one of their key all-rounders. Patel has been in excellent form in recent months, taking 21 wickets and scoring 184 runs in 10 ODIs. His injury means that India will have to find a replacement for him in the ODI squad for the Australia series and the World Cup. Washington Sundar is the most likely replacement, but he does not have the same experience as Patel.
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Sundar has played 10 ODIs for India, taking 14 wickets and scoring 88 runs. He is a good spin bowler, but he has not yet established himself as a reliable all-rounder. India will be hoping that Patel recovers from his injury in time for the World Cup. However, if he is unable to make it, Sundar will be under pressure to perform.
