In a recent turn of events, star all-rounder Axar Patel sustained an injury during India's Asia Cup 2023 Super Fours match against Bangladesh on September 15. This unfortunate incident led to his exclusion from the Asia Cup final, which India clinched convincingly by 10 wickets on September 17. Washington Sundar was named as Axar's replacement and was also part of the playing XI for the final.
Post the Asia Cup triumph, Indian captain Rohit Sharma disclosed that Axar would be unavailable for the initial two ODIs against Australia, scheduled in Mohali and Indore on September 22 and 24. Although Axar was named for the third ODI, his participation hinges on his recovery. As a precautionary measure, the selectors have included Ravichandran Ashwin and Sundar in the extended 17-member squad for the third ODI.
Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, while addressing the media, suggested that in the unlikely event of Axar's continued absence, either Ashwin or Sundar might secure a spot in the Indian team for the ODI World Cup. However, he remained optimistic about Axar's timely recovery.
Contrary to Agarkar's hint, veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh expressed a different viewpoint. Overlooking both Ashwin and Sundar, Harbhajan championed the inclusion of 33-year-old Yuzvendra Chahal if Axar remains unfit.
Chahal, boasting 121 wickets from 72 ODIs, was surprisingly not considered for India's ODI World Cup squad. Harbhajan, emphasising Chahal's proven track record, stated, "I would like to bring Yuzvendra Chahal instead of any other player. He is a proven player and a match winner. He was the one who missed in the tournament," in his conversation with Sports Today.
It's noteworthy that Chahal, a member of India's 2019 ODI World Cup squad, last represented India in a 50-over match against New Zealand in Indore on January 24, 2023. As the World Cup approaches, the debate around the ideal replacement, should the need arise, continues to gain momentum.
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