'He is very much in the line': Rohit Sharma hints World Cup return for snubbed veteran

While the provisional squad for the ODI World Cup 2023 has already been disseminated, the announcement of the final 15 of Team India, which is soon to take place, may see a few modifications. Following India's vanquishment over Sri Lanka in the final of the Asia Cup 2023, skipper Rohit Sharma communicated to the media about the possibility of an 11th-hour tweak in the World Cup team. The injury concerns lying with Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer may propel a swap.

3 things you need to know

• India defeated Sri Lanka in the final of Asia Cup 2023
• India won by 10 wickets
• The victory in the final comes as the 8th of the sort for Team India in Asia Cup 2023

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India win the Asia Cup 2023, but Injury concerns still intact

The Asia Cup 2023 turned out to be fox's socks for Team India as not only the team defeated its biggest continental rivals but thumped them in all departments. However, in the green patch, there was a dry spot as well and it came in the form of the contest against Bangladesh in the Super 4s stage of the tournament. In the intense match-up, India were on course for a victory but the supposed bearer of the win Axar Patel could not execute his shot properly and got out at the crucial time, leading to India's loss by 6 runs. Though Patel batted brilliantly in the match, unfortunately, a long throw from the boundary hit his forearm and he later complained of a hamstring strain as well. The injury kept him out of the final against Sri Lanka and consequently Washington Sundar made his way in as a replacement. Patel is set to miss the first two ODIs against Australia in the upcoming bilateral series. Though, the all-rounder is expected to get better in due course but Rohit Sharma and co are in the mood to take any chances. 

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Ashwin and Sundar could receive late call

The injury concerns related to Axar Patel and the existing worry with Shreyas Iyer have seemingly compelled the team management to factor in the potential substitutes. In a press conference after the game against Sri Lanka, Rohit Sharma divulged that he is in constant touch with Ravichandran Ashwin and has informed the veteran spinner about the possibility of a late call-up. Sharma also made it known that Washington Sundar is also in the scheme of things as a contingency option. 

"With the spin-bowling all-rounders, I think everyone is in the line. Honestly, (I am) speaking to Ashwin as well, I have been talking to him on the phone. So he is very much in the line. So is Washi. We want those guys who can do the job with the ball and the bat as well," Rohit said while speaking to the press in Colombo.

With the one-day mayhem on the horizon, injury problems could come in as a headache for the decision-makers, but with the availability of suitable prospects, the situation may not go out of hand. Moreover, the way things panned out in the Asia Cup, the team might be riding on optimism and may seek to keep the momentum going. Thus, everything seems to be in place for team India, and the obscurity related to selection may clear out in a week or so.