Rohit Sharma acknowledged that veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin will probably play in the World Cup in consideration of Axar Patel's injury.
As a result of Axar Patel's injury, Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has acknowledged that experienced all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin will play in the World Cup. During India's Asia Cup Super 4 encounter against Bangladesh last week, Axar sustained a left quadriceps strain. Axar was replaced by Washington Sundar in the team, and he was immediately inserted into the starting lineup for Sunday's championship match against Sri Lanka. Ashwin, a seasoned all-rounder who bowls spin, has been in touch with Rohit constantly and is informed about India's World Cup team, according to Rohit.
"As a spinner-all-rounder, Ashwin is in the line. I have been talking to him on the phone. The injury happened to Axar at the last minute. Washington was available, so he had to come and perform the role for us," Rohit said in the post-match press conference.
On the decision to include Sundar in the squad, Rohit said that the Asian Games-bound youngster was match-ready.
"He (Washington) was cricket-fit because he was part of the Asian Games camp (in Bengaluru). I have been very clear with players about their roles. Everyone is in the loop," he added.
Under ICC regulations, the squads must be finalised prior to September 28, with India's first game at the World Cup coming against Australia in Chennai on October 8.