ODI World Cup 2023

Axar Patel set to miss 3rd ODI against Australia, likely to be fit for ODI World Cup Warm-Up matches

The Indian all-rounder had injured himself during Asia Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh.

Sep 25, 2023 5:37 pm

The Indian cricket team won their first ODI series against Australia for nearly half–a–decade. India beat Australia by 99 runs to take a 2-0 lead in the three-match –ODI series. With this win, India also extended their unbeaten streak at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.

Post the win, the focus now shifts to the action ahead. India will play the final ODI on Wednesday but the focus is on the World Cup. Rohit Sharma and his men are scheduled to play two warm-up games before the tournament begins.

One man who is being watched with great scrutiny is Axar Patel. The 29-year-old was injured during the 2023 Asia Cup game against Bangladesh. The Indian team picked Ravichandran Ashwin in his place and the veteran bowler has done well so far.

Patel out of final ODI but remains in race for World Cup spot

Axar Patel had injured his quadriceps during the game against Bangladesh in Asia Cup 2023. The Indian all-rounder is currently at the NCA in a bid to regain his fitness. The Indian Cricket Board has confirmed that Axar Patel will not play the game on Wednesday at Rajkot. Ravichandran Ashwin is expected to keep his place in the playing XI for the game. The 37-year-old picked 3 wickets on Sunday. His victims included the dangerous Marnus Labuschagne and David Warner.

As per reports, Axar Patel could be fit in time for the ODI World Cup Warm-Up matches. India will be playing England on the 30^th of September and the Netherlands on the 3^rd of October. The Indian Cricket Board now has to make up their mind as the window to name the replacement is closing. Axar Patel’s batting has improved but his bowling has taken a massive nosedive. Ashwin, meanwhile has been picking up his form and showing his class with the ball.

Shubman Gill and Shardul Thakur too have been rested for the game on Wednesday. The Indian pair have been asked to directly join for the World Cup campaign. Gill has been in great form in ODI Cricket this year with 5 centuries. Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Virat Kohli will be back for the Indian team at Rajkot. The Indian skipper and Virat Kohli had missed the games at Mohali and Indore. Bumrah had taken time off for personal reasons for the game on Sunday.