'He will be included': Harbhajan drops Axar and makes one change in India's WC squad

The upcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2023 is just around the corner, set to kick off in India next month. This highly esteemed cricket competition will showcase a total of 48 matches held at ten diverse venues including the final and the semi-finals. The excitement is building as the tournament is scheduled to begin on October 5 with a highly anticipated rematch of the previous edition's final, starring the reigning champions, England, and New Zealand.

3 things you need to know

• This is the first time India will host the ODI World Cup entirely in the country
• England are the defending champions having defeated New Zealand in 2019
• India will play their first match against Australia in Chennai on October 8

Also Read: 'I Wouldn't Be Surprised If...' Ex-cricketer Has A New Role For R Ashwin In ODI World Cup

Harbhajan backs Ashwin to be in the World Cup squad

Harbhajan Singh has offered a prediction that off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin may step in to replace left-arm spinner Axar Patel in Team India's 15-member squad for the 2023 World Cup. Harbhajan noted Ashwin's impressive comeback performance against Australia, highlighting that his inclusion would bring valuable variety to the bowling attack. In an unexpected move, India initially selected a squad for the 2023 World Cup without a single off-spinner, opting instead for two left-arm spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, along with left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

However, Axar Patel suffered an injury during the Asia Cup, causing him to miss the tournament's final and subsequent ODI series against Australia. While discussing Ashwin's ongoing performance against Australia, Harbhajan expressed confidence that the seasoned off-spinner would take Axar's place in the 15-member World Cup squad if the latter doesn't recover in time. 

"Ravichandran Ashwin has performed exceptionally well, and I believe he will be included in the World Cup squad. Teams have the flexibility to make changes until September 28, and I anticipate Axar Patel being replaced to introduce a different dimension to the squad. Initially, I thought Washington Sundar might be chosen because he was called up to Sri Lanka before Ashwin, but they've gone with Ashwin due to his experience. The rest of the team appears solid, and I hope their strong performances continue," Harbhajan said. 

Also Read: 'Worked On It For...': Ashwin Shares Insight Behind The Ball That Dismissed Labuschagne

Deadline to announce final squads for ODI World Cup 2023 approaching soon

Under the rules for the 2023 World Cup, teams are permitted to make adjustments to their squads before September 28, with any modifications beyond that date requiring approval from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Image: PTI/AP