Rohit Sharma gives Ashwin World Cup hope with bombshell statement
He injury happened to Axar at the last minute. Washington was available, so he had to come and perform the role for us," added Rohit.
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In preparation for the upcoming ODI World Cup, India defeated Sri Lanka by ten wickets in the final of the Asia Cup 2023 on Sunday in Colombo. India bowled Sri Lanka out for 50 runs in 15.2 overs thanks to Mohammed Siraj's record-setting six-wicket haul, and even Hardik Pandya took three wickets.
India reached 51/0 in 6.1 overs while chasing a target of 51 runs, thanks to unbeaten innings by Shubman Gill (27*) and Ishan Kishan (23*). With 302 runs scored in six games, Gill was also the tournament's leading run-scorer.
India will also face Australia in a three-match ODI series before the ODI World Cup. India will attempt to straighten out their permutations and combinations and perform well in the World Cup, which they will also host. Washington Sundar joined Ravindra Jadeja as a spin all-rounder in the Asia Cup final.
Rahul Dravid and his management team are uncertain about who they should partner with the veteran all-rounder in the ICC event, despite Jadeja's confirmed selection. In addition to Sundar, Axar Patel has been tested in this capacity, and he was a member of the Asia Cup squad. Even Ravichandran Ashwin has served in this capacity, but he was left off the Asia Cup roster. Even Sundar has been omitted from India's World Cup roster, along with the veteran.
The selected spin all-rounders are Jadeja and Axar. However, Team India has until September 28 to make any necessary changes to the squad manifest. After India's victory in the Asia Cup final, Rohit dropped a bombshell statement that offered Ashwin and Sundar hope of making the World Cup squad. Axar has also been injured in the interim. "As an all-round spinner, Ashwin is in the running. I've been speaking with him over the phone. Axar sustained the injury at the last second. "Because Washington was available, he had to play the part for us," said Rohit.
"He was cricket-fit because he participated in the Asian Games camp (in Bengaluru). I have been transparent with players regarding their responsibilities. Everyone is informed," he continued.
Ashwin last participated in an ODI for India against South Africa in January 2022. It will be intriguing to see whether or not Rohit decides to include him. On October 8 in Chennai, India, the host nation will face Australia in their World Cup opener.
