Indian All-rounder Axar Patel Ruled-Out, Big Change In Indian Team World Cup 2023 Squad

Indian All-rounder Axar Patel Ruled-Out, Big Change In Indian Team World Cup 2023 Squad, India has been forced to make a late change to their 15-member squad for the upcoming 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Axar Patel has been unable to make a timely recovery for the World Cup following the left quadriceps strain he suffered during India’s Asia Cup Super Four match against Bangladesh. Consequently, the spin-bowling all-rounder was absent during the final of the Asia Cup.

Ravichandran Ashwin, an experienced spinner, has been appointed as his replacement. Ashwin showcased an impressive performance upon his return to One Day International (ODI) cricket during the recently concluded series against Australia. It is worth mentioning that he successfully obtained four wickets throughout two matches.

Axar Patel was also conditionally named in the squad for the final One Day International, subject to his fitness. However, he was unable to participate in the game, which resulted in a 66-run loss for India in Rajkot.

India has relied upon the expertise of Ashwin to address the vacancy created by Axar Patel. Furthermore, Ashwin introduces an off-spinning alternative that was previously absent in India’s World Cup team, a factor that could potentially play a crucial role as the tournament progresses over the course of 46 days and the pitches gradually deteriorate.

The 37-year-old individual also possesses the experience of performing on a grand platform, as he participated in the 2011 and 2015 editions of the World Cup for India. During the tournament held in Australia, Ashwin successfully claimed 13 wickets across eight matches, contributing significantly to India’s progression into the semi-final stage.

After the conclusion of the three-match One Day International series against Australia, Rohit Sharma made a clear statement regarding India’s well-defined strategy for the 15-member squad participating in the World Cup, and any changes shall not impede their approach towards the tournament.

For More Info: All the squads for ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023

Rohit Sharma said: “When we talk about the 15 we are very clear about what we want, We are not confused, we know where we are headed as a team. It’s a team sport and we want everyone to come and play their part – that’s how we win championships. It’s about looking after the body and trying and stay fresh for the next one and half months.”

Despite Axar’s non-participation in the World Cup, India boasts a nearly comprehensive and resilient team, given the triumphant comebacks of KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Jasprit Bumrah following their long-term injuries.

Read More: Big Blow For Australia, Aston Agar has been Ruled Out of the Upcoming World Cup

All three stars have made great contributions in the games preceding the tournament. Rahul declared his return with an extraordinary century against the arch-rival Pakistan in the Super Four Asia Cup encounter. Iyer also scored a hundred in the second One Day International against Australia.

Bumrah has demonstrated signs of returning to his peak form, as demonstrated by his impressive performance against Pakistan in the Super Fours of the Asia Cup. The outstanding fast bowler showcased exceptional skills in the final ODI against Australia, particularly in his death bowling, despite facing some challenges in his initial two spells.

India’s World Cup campaign will commence on the 7th of October in Chennai, where they will be face against the five-time Champions Australia. Before the tournament officially begins, Rohit Sharma’s team will participate in two warm-up fixtures. The initial warm-up match is scheduled against England on the 30th of September, followed by a match against the Netherlands on the 3rd of October.

Indian Team World Cup 2023 Squad

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, Ravichandran Ashwin Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav.