Ashwin has been added to India squad that would face Australia

There are injury concerns with regard to Axar Patel

The 15 member squad for the World Cup will be finalised on 15th September

Two squads have been announced for the Australian team’s tour of India starting from the 22nd of September and extending up to 27th September. One squad would feature for the 2 ODIs and there would be some changes to the squad that would feature in the 3rd ODI. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel have been rested for the first 2 games. They would rejoin the squad on 27th September, which would also be the day when the 15 members who would represent India in the ODI CWC 2023 would be finalised. However there are injury concerns with regard to Axar Patel which has raised questions on whether Ashwin is being considered as an option for the World Cup. Ashwin hasn’t been part of the ODI setup since January 2022. 

Coach of the Indian Cricket Team, Rahul Darvid offered some clarification with regard to this. 

“I will not say that for him it is a trial or anything (for Ashwin), we know his quality. This is a chance for him to play in this format and we just want to give him an opportunity to play in two or three games. If we have a player like Ashwin, who we can rely upon if someone is injured, it’s a blessing for us. It’s a good chance for him to test himself because he has not played 50-over cricket for a long time,” he stated. 

“Someone like Ashwin provides you that experience, that ability to also contribute with the bat at No. 8. Someone we always thought of in case there are certain opportunities open, he is someone who is definitely a part of your plans,” he added.