'Nahi hoga, aur anna khelenge' - Fans react to reports of R Ashwin to be added to India's ODI World Cup squad if Axar Patel does not recover from injury

Ravichandran Ashwin & Axar Patel (Source: Twitter)

A major injury scare for Team India ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup as Axar Patel is likely to be ruled out of the marquee event with a hamstring injury. In an update from the Indian Cricket Board, the star all-rounder, who was sidelined in the Asia Cup 2023 final against Sri Lanka on Sunday, picked up a "left quadriceps strain" during the Super Fours match against Bangladesh.

According to a report in TOI, if Axar does not recover before September 28, either Ravichandran Ashwin or Washington Sundar will be included in India's World Cup squad. Sundar was named the replacement of Axar in the Asia Cup 2023 final. On the other hand, Ashwin is making his ODI comeback after 20 months in the three-match series against Australia.

Axar is not included in the squad for the first two ODIs in Mohali and Indore. Senior players like Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma have also been rested. While Rohit and Hardik will take their respective roles in the final match, Axar will also return to the team if he recovers in time.

Announcing India's squad for the home series against the Aussies starting on September 22, chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Monday said Axar is expected to recover in time. “Axar Patel should be okay before the 2023 World Cup. If the need arises, we will have a look at Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin,” Agarkar said during the press conference.

Check out India's squad for the three-match series against Australia

India Squad For 1st & 2nd ODIs: KL Rahul (C), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Tilak Varma, Prasidh Krishna, Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar.

India Squad vs Australia for 3rd ODI: Rohit Sharma (captain), Hardik Pandya, (vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel (subject to fitness), Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami, Mohammed Siraj.

Here's how fans reacted to reports of R Ashwin is likely to be included in India's ODI World Cup squad:

Axar is in good batting form and he is a lefty as well, if he is not in the squad it will be a huge loss for Indian team

— Anuraj Kumar (@BeAnuraj) September 19, 2023

Surely Ashwin will play , already we have jadeja/ kuldeep as left arm spinners.. Ashwin right arm and can bowl and bat !!

— Naina (@Nainajersey18) September 19, 2023

That was expected. He is the best option we have .

— Lalatendu Rout (@Littu85) September 19, 2023

We want Ravi Ashwin's mind to win this world cup 🐐 most intelligent cricketer after Dhoni

— ORI_FCB 🗣️ (@Orient1300) September 19, 2023

Ashwin has plenty experience, and he can be more vital player in World Cup if he play

— विजय (@bijjuu11) September 19, 2023

So Most Probably Axar will be out of the squad if Ashwin or Washi plays exceptionally in Aus ODIs

— Telugu Digi (@TeluguDz) September 19, 2023

Come on ash come on

— Sai charan reddy (@Charan63995) September 19, 2023

Nahi hoga, aur anna khelenge

— 𝑸𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒎 𝑯𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒏  (@qasim_says_) September 19, 2023

Ravi Ashwin ticket for WC confirmed now

— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) September 19, 2023

@ashwinravi99 ko rakhna chahiye.. ash anna is very clever player.

— Abhinav singh (@Abhinav_tmk) September 19, 2023