‘Ashwin ki zaroorat hai’ – Fans react as reports suggest possible replacement for Axar Patel in ODI World Cup 2023 squad

The Indian Cricket Team has suffered a huge blow since their bowling all-rounder Axar Patel got injured ahead of the final match of the Asia Cup 2023. Axar Patel has been injured with a quadriceps injury during the team’s match against Bangladesh in the super four stage of Asia Cup. 

During the squad announcement for the Australia’s tour of India, Rohit Sharma and the Indian cricket board’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar said if Axar Patel is not fit to play then Washington, Sundar or Ravichandran Ashwin will take his place in the ODI World Cup, 2023. Notably, Ravichandran Ashwin has been added back to the ODI squad of the Indian team after 1.5 years, since he played his last ODI match in January 2022. 

Ajit Agarkar on Axar Patel’s injury update

“There are couple of guys anyway, both him (Ashwin) and Washington (Sundar). What we know with Axar’s (Patel) injury that he should be okay. All will make it once we know that. But at least it leaves us with options. If these guys get a couple of games now, (it) gives the team management a few options if they need to go that way. If the need arises, we will probably have a look at it at that stage. But I don’t think there is the need to speculate right now or make any decisions right now because we are hoping that Axar is fit”, said Ajit Agarkar. 

Squad for the 1st Two ODIs against Australia:

KL Rahul (captain), Ravindra Jadeja (vice-captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.

Squad for the 3rd ODIs against Australia:

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.

Look how the fans reacted –

Ashwin nightmare for left handed batsman he must be picked if Axar is not available

— Anshu Chauhan (@chauhandwarrior) September 19, 2023

Left arm spiners bowl's better than right arm spiners in ODI

— RealTrump (@TrumpNXT) September 19, 2023

https://twitter.com/orient1300/status/1703980123245126116?s=46

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

— Abhinav singh (@Abhinav_tmk) September 19, 2023

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

— Lalatendu Rout (@Littu85) September 19, 2023

Ravi Ashwin ticket for WC confirmed now

— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) September 19, 2023

Hopefully he gets fit

— Dr Arsalan khan (@Arsalan894) September 19, 2023

why disrespect ashwin anna?? he should have been the first choice, not a replacement!!

— PATHAN  (@ahmedyousafzaii) September 19, 2023