ETV BHARAT EXCLUSIVE: 2023 Cricket World Cup could have been a golden opportunity for Axar Patel, reckons his brother

India and Gujarat all-rounder Axar Patel, who sustained an injury during the Asia Cup, was ruled out of the World Cup. He was replaced by ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in India's squad, which begins on October 5.

Ahmedabad (GUJARAT): Left-arm spinner Axar Patel has been an important player for the Indian team for the last three years. The 29-year-old cricketer has established himself as a cricketer and has done wonders on flat tracks. Axar was injured in the match against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup. As Axar did not recover from his left quadriceps strain, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been brought back to the squad.

Axar could have proved to be an important player for the 'Men in Blue' in this World Cup. Left-arm spinners have proved successful in cricket matches played in India. Axar was aware of the weaknesses of foreign players by playing in the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) but would not be able to use his skills this time as he was ruled out from the Indian squad.

Axar's brother Sanship Patel told ETV Bharat that the 2023 World Cup could have been a golden opportunity for Axar Patel to prove himself as an all-rounder.

He made a significant contribution in bowling and batting in the Asia Cup. He injured his leg after being hit by a leg ball in the Asia Cup and is currently undergoing treatment in Bengaluru.

"Axar was selected for the 2015 World Cup but he did not play any matches. We are disappointed that he will not be able to play 2023 World Cup due to his injury. We were excited to see him playing the coveted ODIs, particularly those that are to be hosted in Ahmedabad. We are sad that he has been left out of the squad. We all want to see him bounce back on the cricket field soon," Sanship added.