Ravichandran Ashwin opens up on his ODI return after injury to Axar Patel

India have got a major blow ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023 as spin all-rounder Axar Patel has been ruled out of the Asia Cup 2023 final due to left quadriceps strain. The Gujarat-born cricketer sustained the injury during India's Super Four match against Bangladesh. Notably, the 29-year-old was also a part of India’s World Cup 2023 squad and was going into play the role of third spinner in the team.

Washington Sundar has been announced as Patel’s replacement for the final. If he further fails to recover in time for the World Cup scheduled to begin on October 05, that would leave a place vacant in India’s squad for the mega event. Axar’s absence can potentially open the door for India’s premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to make a comeback into the ODI side. Recently, Ashwin opened up on his return to the ODI team and said that he will give his 100 percent whenever he gets an opportunity.

“I have been playing for the last 14-15 years for Team India. I have had my great moments. I have had my fair share of failures too. But I have tattooed Indian cricket close to my heart. If they require my service even tomorrow, I will be ready and will give my 100 percent,” stated Ashwin during a conversation on his YouTube channel.

Notably, Ashwin last played an ODI in January 2022 vs South Africa and has found himself out of the team since then. He managed to find a place in the T20 World Cup squads of 2021 and 2022 despite not being in contention in the lead-up to the tournament. The 37-year-old last played an ODI World Cup in 2015 and played an important role in the two matches he played in the 2011 World Cup by picking four wickets.

Yuzvendra Chahal also eyeing his return

Apart from him, wrist spinner Yuzvendra Chahal could also make a return to the team, who unfortunately finds himself out of both Asia Cup and World Cup squads. The 33-year-old even had good numbers in ODIs since 2021 averaging just over 26 with the ball with 29 wickets from 18 matches. However, he fell out of favour with Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel getting a go ahead of him. Notably, India can make changes to their World Cup squad till 27^th September and will likely name a replacement if Axar fails to recover in time.