India and Australia will clash in the third and final ODI of the series on September 27 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot. India has already put their claim over the series with an unassailable 2-0 lead and it will be their last fixture before they embark on the World Cup journey.
However, there is still something to ponder upon. Axar Patel has been ruled out of the third ODI and could miss out in the upcoming World Cup as well. India is seeing Ravichandran Ashwin as his backup, who took a three-wicket haul in the previous ODI in Indore.
Addressing the media on the eve of the match, India captain Rohit Sharma remarked on Ashwin and cited his “class” and “experience”. In a hushed tone, the skipper hinted that the off-spinner could be seen playing the World Cup.
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“We cannot take away the class and experience that Ashwin has. He bowled really well and has got some variations up his sleeve. In case there is a chance, it works well for us because the backups are ready,” Rohit Sharma said on Tuesday.
India are currently the No.1 side across all formats. However, Rohit is not taking the rankings very seriously as he is looking at the bigger picture, which is to win the World Cup.
“It’s a positive to be the No.1 going into the World Cup but it doesn’t matter at the end of the day. We have to stay at present and play some good cricket. Don’t think anyone is worried about rankings at this point. We have bigger things to worry about,” Rohit Sharma added.
Rohit Sharma’s comments on Ravichandran Ashwin are a clear indication that the off-spinner is in serious contention for a spot in India’s World Cup squad. Ashwin’s experience and class are invaluable assets, and his ability to bowl in all conditions could make him a key player for India in the tournament.
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With the World Cup just around the corner, India will be looking to fine-tune their team and get into the best possible shape. The third and final ODI against Australia will be a good opportunity for the team to test their combinations and strategies.
