A longer-format tournament in India without Ravichandran Ashwin. Sounds odd, right? But as things stand, the veteran off-spinner is likely to miss Asia Cup 2023 and World Cup 2023. To put it bluntly, he is not in ODI plans. Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja are the two designated spinners. There is a chance that selectors do discuss his name but even then, for the spin legend, playing WC looks slim.
Having played an ODI back in January 2022, Ashwin hasn’t been in 50-over plans. The spin legend had voiced his opinion against ODIs and did not impress with the ball. However, he still has a deep desire to play in World Cup 2023. But he admits, it looks bleak.
“I don’t think like that, because the selection of the team is not my job. I had decided long back that I would not think about stuff that is not in my hand. I am honestly in a very good space in terms of life and my cricket and I try to keep negativity away from my thought process,” Ravichandran Ashwin told TOI in an interview.
Ravichandran Ashwin in World Cup?
All but discarded back in 2017 from the ODI format, Ashwin made a surprise return to the format after five years on South Africa tour in 2021-22. However, he did not quite impress on his comeback. In two matches, Ashwin could only manage a wicket and went for an economy rate of 6.05.
However, having a spinner like Ravichandran Ashwin in India is nothing sort of a no-brainer. India will play 8 matches on venues suitable for spinners. With Ashwin being the best spinner there is, he should be in the team. However, the idea is that despite success with the red ball, off-spinners are only a luxury for limited-overs teams at the moment. Teams have opted for wrist spinners instead of off-spinners.
Ashwin in 50-over cricket
| Format | Mat | Wkts | Best | Avg | Econ | 4w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 113 | 151 | 4/25 | 33.49 | 4.94 | 1 |
| List A | 173 | 231 | 4/25 | 31.35 | 4.64 | 1 |
Ravichandran Ashwin was part of India’s World Cup-winning squad in 2011. Even though Harbhajan Singh played mostly, the notion has changed.
With Asia Cup 2023 squad selection this week, Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is all set to discuss his name. But even Ashwin knows chances are bleak.
“I live for the day and I have no unfinished business. But it’s true that I would love to see India winning the World Cup again, even if I am not playing,” Ashwin said.
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