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Axar Patel suffering injuries in the dead rubber against Bangladesh in Asia Cup 2023 led to Washington Sundar’s last-minute call-up for the Asia Cup 2023 final against Sri Lanka. After India’s resounding 10-wicket win over Dasun Shanaka-led side, Rohit in the post-match press conference revealed that veteran spin all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin is very much in the scheme of things ahead of World Cup squad selection.
"As a spinner-all-rounder, Ashwin is in the line. I have been talking to him on the phone. The injury happened to Axar at the last minute. Washington was available, so he had to come and perform the role for us," said Rohit.
"He (Washington) was cricket-fit because he was part of the Asian Games camp (in Bengaluru). I have been very clear with players about their roles. Everyone is in the loop," he added.
Ashwin has not played a single ODI in nearly 20 months. It looks unlikely that he will be selected in the World Cup squad as he should have been called for the Asia Cup final instead of Sundar after Patel got injured.
Rohit also gave an update on Patel's injury. The all-rounder's MRI scans have revealed that he has suffered a hamstring tear and is likely to miss out on a few games in the upcoming ODI series against Australia.
"Axar had a small tear. It looks like maybe it will take a week or 10 days (to heal), I don’t know. We have to see how that injury progresses. Some guys recover quickly, and I hope that’s the case with him," the 36-year-old said.
Earlier in the day, India won their eighth Asia Cup title. Mohammed Siraj’s six-wicket haul helped India bundle out Sri Lanka for a paltry 50. The small target was chased down by Indian openers without breaking a sweat.
Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to announce India’s squad for the upcoming five-ODI series against Australia. In the absence of Pat Cummins, the Mitchell Marsh-led second-string squad suffered a series defeat against South Africa despite leading the series 2-0. The three-ODI series will begin on September 22.
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