PC: myKhel
After Shubman Gill and Shardul Thakur were rested in the last match of the series against Australia, the Indian team has now suffered another big blow. According to Cricbuzz, Akshar Patel has also been ruled out of the third ODI against Australia. This is due to a left quadriceps strain that Akshar has been suffering from for some time.
While the Indian team will leave for their third ODI to be held at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, Gujarat, Axar will stay back there for his recovery.
Axar's injury also ruled him out of the Asia Cup 2023 final and Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar flew to Colombo at the last hour to replace him.
PC: Cricket Addiction
However, Axar's injury has also raised questions over his becoming a full part of the ICC World Cup 2023 hosted by India. If he cannot recover in time then the players are eyeing Axar's place. One of them is Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
Yesterday India defeated Australia by 99 runs and took a 2-0 lead in the series. Ashwin also contributed to the team's victory as he took 3 wickets for 41 runs (7 overs). With one match left in the series, it seems Ashwin has no intention of leaving the crucial spot for the big tournaments ahead. Apart from Ashwin, Washington Sundar is also in discussion for Akshar's replacement.
PC: The Times of India
Hopefully, Axar can recover in time for the practice matches of the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 and also play for the team in the tournament. Akshar is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
