Axar, who has been out with a left quadriceps strain since the Asia Cup and was in the squad only for the final ODI subject to fitness, is understood to be recovering well, and the team management expects him to be fit in time for the World Cup. He is currently recovering at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
Rohit Sharma, the captain, and Virat Kohli, who both sat out the first two games of the series, are back in the line-up but Mohammed Shami, who played the first two games, and Hardik Pandya, who skipped the initial games as well, are not with the squad.
ESPNcricinfo understands that with just 13 players around – Mukesh Kumar was called up ahead of the second ODI which Jasprit Bumrah missed – India might be forced to use local first-class players, who are part of the Saurashtra team, to chip in in the field if needed.
“Gill rested. Shami, Shardul have gone home. Hardik has been home. Again, personal things,” Rohit said on the eve of the match. “Axar obviously is not…