Updated On: 21 September, 2023 09:02 AM IST | Mohali | Santosh Suri
It will be interesting to see how the Indian team management handles veteran Ashwin and emerging off-spinning all-rounder Sundar in the ODIs v Australia

Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin. Pics/Getty Images
There has been a lot of clamour for the inclusion of off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the Indian team for the upcoming World Cup. Ever since the provisional team of 15 was announced by the Indian selectors, both, the media and critics have been questioning the logic of having two of the ilk—Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel—in the squad, saying that the bowling attack needs variety. That’s when the name of Ashwin cropped up.
However, a decision was already made and the Indian team management was earnestly preparing Axar for the mega event by giving him a chance to play in the XI at the recent Asia Cup. But as luck would have it, during the inconsequential match against Bangladesh, Axar suffered not one, but three injuries while batting. First, he was hit on the little finger, then a throw from the outfield struck his arm and finally, he suffered a Grade 2 muscle tear in his left thigh. This has put his chances of playing the World Cup in doubt.