New Delhi, September 26, 2023 - As the September 29 deadline looms for the announcement of the final squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023, all eyes are on the fitness of all-rounder Axar Patel. Despite an impressive show by Ravichandran Ashwin, the Indian team management seems inclined towards giving Axar Patel a fair chance to recover from his quadricep injury before the mega-event.

India's star pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, is set to return to action in the third ODI against Australia, having missed the second match. However, the status of Axar Patel remains a matter of concern as he continues his rehabilitation.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has granted Axar Patel a few additional days of rest to aid his recovery. Although his forearm and finger injuries have healed, the quadricep issue remains. The team management is optimistic about his prospects, with the first World Cup match scheduled for October 8, allowing some time for recuperation.

A confidential source within BCCI stated, "The team management wants to give Axar a full chance of recovery. His forearm and finger bruises have healed, but maybe in another few days, he will get fit for the World Cup. As far as Ashwin is concerned, we now know that he is match fit and in rhythm. If Axar can't make it, Ashwin walks in."

The looming September 29 squad announcement deadline underscores Axar Patel's significance as the preferred reserve spinner, ahead of Ashwin, for the World Cup.

In other team news, star opener Shubman Gill and bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur will sit out the third ODI in Rajkot, adhering to the team's rotation policy. Bumrah, refreshed after a brief break, returns to action, joining skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Kuldeep Yadav in the lineup.

Furthermore, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who led the Indian men's team in the first two matches, has been released from the squad to prepare for his role in the Asian Games 2023. Mukesh Kumar, who filled in for Bumrah in the second match, has also been released.

Additionally, there is a possibility that Washington Sundar may leave the squad on the day of the third match, further reshaping the team dynamics.

As the ODI World Cup approaches, the Rohit Sharma-led side faces the challenge of not having traveling net bowlers. To address this, there are high chances that Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh might be selected as net bowlers as needed, adding depth to the squad's preparations for the upcoming showpiece event.

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