Axar Patel's hopes of recovering in time for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 have suffered another setback as he has been ruled out for the upcoming third and final ODI against Australia.

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has reportedly been ruled out of the last ODI against Australia in Rajkot. With Axar's injuries keeping him out since the 2023 Asia Cup final, the BCCI has not named a replacement for the dead player. Nevertheless, the left-handed player is well on his way to being fit for the 2023 World Cup.

He was replaced by Washington Sundar in the Indian squad for the Asia Cup final. For the ongoing series against Australia, Axar Patel was named in the squad for the third and final ODI, but his participation depended on his recovery. And according to a report, he has failed to recover in time for the third ODI, scheduled to be played in Rajkot on Wednesday (September 27).

Axar's unavailability raises hopes that Ravichandran Ashwin, who has replaced the left-arm spinner, might take part in the World Cup. Ashwin has shown outstanding form in the first two ODIs, taking four wickets and, more remarkably, displaying top-notch bowling skills that appear to have caused problems for the Australian batsmen, particularly during the match in Indore on Sunday. This has led to calls for his inclusion in the World Cup squad. However, sources within the BCCI suggest that Axar, who was picked ahead of Ashwin, is on track to return to the Indian team in time for the World Cup.

Ravichandran Ashwin has done well so far. After taking 1 for 47 in 10 overs in the first ODI, the Tamil Nadu ace picked up 3 wickets in the second ODI on Sunday (September 24). The unavailability of Axar Patel will further increase Ashwin's chances of playing in the ODI World Cup for the third time and first since 2015. At the same time, multiple sources have reported that Axar Patel could recover in time for the World Cup.

A fit Axar Patel is likely to be preferred over Ashwin after being named in India's 15-man squad. With September 28 being the deadline for finalizing the squad, India is likely to take the final decision on Axar Patel's participation.

Meanwhile, India have rested Shubman Gill and Shardul Thakur for the third ODI against Australia. On the other hand, players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav are available after being rested for the first two ODIs. India has already sealed the series by winning the first two matches.