R Ashwin might struggle to make it to the final 15 for World Cup 2023: Aaron Finch

Ravichandran Ashwin was not picked in India's 15-member squad for the ODI World Cup, which starts on October 5. However, his chances of featuring in the showpiece event have increased after an unfortunate injury to all-rounder Axar Patel.

Axar was initially named in the 15-man squad for the World Cup, however, the 29-year-old suffered an injury during the Asia Cup and is currently in a race against time to make it to the marquee event. He was ruled out of the ongoing three-match ODI series against Australia and the experienced Ravichandran Ashwin was picked in the side. The Tamil Nadu off-spinner has featured in the first two ODIs thus far and shown exemplary form. 

However, former Australian captain Aaron Finch felt that Ashwin would struggle to find a place in the World Cup but his experience could come in handy for the players who will feature in the prestigious event. Finch went on to suggest that Ashwin could be a mentor for the 'Men in Blue' during the World Cup.

"I think he (Ashwin) might struggle to make it to the final 15, but as somebody who has played so much cricket, I think the rest of the group that is with the Indian team for this current series against Australia, they could learn so much about big gameplay," Finch said while speaking to Star Sports ahead of the third ODI on Wednesday, September 27, in Rajkot.

"Because Ashwin is somebody that stands up in big games, whether it's a Test match or a T20 game, he has done it all throughout his career. So I wouldn't be surprised if he's there at the moment as a mentor around the group, but I don't see him making that last 15, unfortunately," added Finch.

Ashwin conceded 47 runs for one wicket in his quota in Mohali and followed it up with a scintillating performance in Indore, where he finished with figures of 3/41 in seven overs. He used his variations to good effect and the Australian batters looked all at sea while trying to score against him.

With such noteworthy outings, there is a huge possibility of Ashwin making a late entry into the Indian World Cup side if Axar doesn't recover in time. India have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match and will aim to clean sweep Australia by winning an inconsequential third ODI in Rajkot on September 27.