What about Axar being preferred over Ash?
Is it just for testing him or will Dhoni prefer him above Ash in WC too?
Its just that he is trying out people and giving a relatively inexperienced Axar some game time as opposed to Ashwin who has now played lots of international ODI cricket.
Dhoni is vital here. Much needed opportunity for him to play a significant innings and boost his own confidence. If the Indian bowlers have to bowl at something and get their confidence going, Dhoni needs to present them with something to defend.