Even two weeks ago when India Cricket Team was in Colombo playing the Asia Cup, Ravichandran Ashwin was too busy interviewing stars for Kutty Stories. Fast forward, the veteran off-spinner is back in Team India and is once again playing a World Cup, exactly like he did in T20 World Cup 2022. This time, it was Axar Patel, who suffered an injury and Ashwin came in as a last-minute replacement. But the star off-spinner has admitted that it could be his last World Cup ahead of IND vs ENG World Cup Warm-up clash in Guwahati.
With the emergence of young spinners, it is all but certain Ashwin won’t be playing in T20 World Cup 2024 in June next year.
“I would have said that you were joking. Life is full of surprises. Honestly did not think I would be here. Circumstances have made sure I am here today. The team management has shown trust. Dealing with pressure is paramount in these tournaments and it will dictate how the tournament goes. Being in a good space, enjoying this tournament will keep me in good stead. This could be my last World Cup for India, so enjoying the tournament is of utmost importance,” Ravichandran Ashwin told Dinesh Karthik in a pre-match interview.
India Cricket Team begin their final round of WC preparations with two warm-up matches. First up, they are facing England in Guwahati before flying to Thiruvananthapuram for Netherlands game. Rohit Sharma & Co will kick start their World Cup campaign against Australia in Chennai on Oct 8.
Last World Cup for Ashwin?
Ravichandran Ashwin has just played five ODIs in the last six years. Yet, he has found a place in the WC squad with Axar Patel injured. However, Ashwin is 37 and with another off-spinner Washington Sundar getting ready, Ashwin will solely focus on Test till 2025 World Test Championship final.
Beyond that, with so many injuries, it is unlikely he will be a part of the World Cup squad.
In T20s, despite all his IPL exploits, India need all-rounders instead of specialists. Tilak Varma has emerged as a great option as he can bowl off-spin as well as a top-order batter. Washington Sundar also bowls off-spin. Hence, Ashwin’s requirement has slowly diminished.
India Squad for Cricket World Cup 2023
Batters: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav
WKs: Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul (VC)
Seam all-rounders: Shardul Thakur
Spin all-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin
Seamers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
Spinner: Kuldeep Yadav
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