Team India cricketer Axar Patel has been ruled out of the third and final ODI against Australia that is set to take place on Wednesday, September 27 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association in Rajkot. As per a report by Cricbuzz, Axar is yet to completely recover from his injury.
The all-rounder sustained multiple injuries during the Asia Cup Super Four clash against Bangladesh including a hit on his forearm from a deep throw and a strain in his left quadriceps. He was conditionally included in India’s squad for the third ODI against Australia. However, Axar will be unavailable for the match. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
It is unclear whether Axar Patel will be fit before the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup, which kicks off on October 5. India has brought back Ravichandran Ashwin to the ODI scheme of things. The spinner is likely to replace Axar Patel in the World Cup squad if the all-rounder fails to recover in time. The selectors will have to name the final 15-player World Cup squad by September 27.
Shardul Thakur and Shubman Gill rested for the Rajkot ODI
Team India batter Shubman Gill and all-rounder Shardul Thakur have been rested for the third ODI against Australia in Rajkot. They will not travel with the Indian team for the final ODI and instead directly join the squad for the World Cup. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli who were rested for the first two matches will be back for the final ODI.
Pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who missed the second ODI is also likely to join the team in Rajkot. Bumrah was given a short break by the management for the second ODI. He went back home to visit his family. The Indian and Australian squads will fly to Rajkot on Tuesday, September 25 in the afternoon.
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