Ravichandran Ashwin Replaces Axar Patel As India Release Finalised World Cup 2023 Squad
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Ravichandran Ashwin will play World Cup 2023 (X.com)
In a significant turn of events, India have included their ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the World Cup 2023 squad, replacing injured all-rounder Axar Patel. The Gujarat all-rounder suffered a left quadriceps strain during India's Asia Cup encounter against Bangladesh and since then, there have been doubts hovering over his participation in the World Cup. Washington Sundar replaced him in Asia Cup but Ashwin has made the final cut with some good performances against the Aussies in the recently held 3-match ODI series.
Interestingly, Ashwin has played only four ODIs for India since 2017 and also missed out from selection in the last edition of the 50-over World Cup in 2019. Rest of the Indian squad remains same with Suryakumar Yadav retaining his place with two quality performances against the Aussies. Shreyas Iyer also proved his fitness and form and the Rohit Sharma-led Indian squad look well-balanced and well-equipped to deliver a strong performance in a home World Cup after 12 long years.
India have recently shown great form in ODI format with Asia Cup title and a series win against Australia, reaffirming their credentials as a strong force in the World Cup. There were some doubts over the fitness of KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Jasprit Bumrah going into Asia Cup, but they all have been put to rest now with all three, proving their fitness and class.
The injury to Axar Patel was an unexpected one though in Asia Cup, and since then, there have been speculations of Ashwin making a wild-card entry into the World Cup squad. Washington Sundar was also a possible option but Ashwin has been preferred for his big-match credentials and overall experience and skills he brings to the table. Ashwin's presence in the World Cup squad means he is only the second player along with Virat Kohli who were part of India's historic World Cup win in 2011.
India's World Cup 2023 Squad
Rohit Sharma (C), Hardik Pandya, Ravi Ashwin, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav.
India will play warm-up games against England and Netherlands before they kick-start their official campaign against Australia on 8th of October at the iconic Chepauk in Chennai.
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