In a crucial last-minute alteration to their World Cup 2023 squad, India has welcomed back seasoned off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. This move comes as a replacement for the injured Axar Patel, who failed to recover from a quadriceps strain sustained during the Asia Cup 2023. Ashwin has already joined the team in Guwahati, where they are set to face defending champions England in their first warm-up match on September 30.

Despite having played only four ODIs since 2018, Ashwin earned his place in the squad after an impressive performance in the recent 3-match ODI series against Australia, serving as the team’s final preparation ahead of the World Cup. Notably, he picked up four wickets in the first two ODIs against Australia, showcasing his skill and deception with carrom balls, contributing significantly to India’s victories.

Ashwin’s return to the ODI format for India has been long-awaited, marking his third appearance in a 50-over World Cup. He and Virat Kohli are the sole survivors from the 2011 World Cup-winning squad participating in this quadrennial event.

Initially, India had not included an off-spinner in their squad, opting instead for three left-arm pacers: Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. However, Ashwin’s standout performances and experience have led to his inclusion as a last-minute replacement for the injured Axar Patel.

The decision to include Ashwin gained momentum after Head Coach Rahul Dravid expressed his satisfaction with Ashwin’s ODI series performance and hinted at his potential role in the World Cup during a press conference following the third ODI against Australia in Rajkot.

Ashwin’s addition follows Axar Patel’s injury, a quadriceps strain sustained during an Asia Cup match against Bangladesh in September. Axar’s absence in the Asia Cup final paved the way for Washington Sundar, who was also considered a replacement contender for Axar.

India’s World Cup squad, led by captain Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Hardik Pandya, now includes the following players: Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishan Kishan, and Suryakumar Yadav.

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