IND vs AUS: Ravichandran Ashwin Likely To Secure Place In Playing XI For ICC World Cup 2023 Opener Against Australia

Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is expected to secure his place in the playing XI for the team’s opening match in the ICC World Cup 2023. Ravichandran Ashwin underwent an intensive net session ahead of the match against Australia in Chennai.

The Rohit Sharma-led team will face Pat Cummins-led Australia in their first World Cup match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, October 8. The Men in Blue will consider picking more spinners, considering the pitch is expected to assist spinners.

Ravichandran Ashwin Set To Replace Shardul Thakur

As per the TOI, Ravichandran Ashwin is likely to start as the third spinner in the match, alongside Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. The 36-year-old is expected to be selected ahead of Shardul Thakur, as he engaged in intensive training sessions ahead of the match.

Ashwin has been effective against David Warner, dismissing him 11 times in Tests. Warner even batted right-handed in a recent ODI to counter the Indian spinner. Steve Smith also struggled against him in international cricket, especially in the longer format of the game.

Ravichandran Ashwin was included in India’s World Cup squad after Axar Patel was ruled out of the tournament due to injury. He impressed with his bowling in the recent ODI series against Australia, taking four wickets in two matches at an economy rate of 5.18.

India’s World Cup Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami.

Also read: “I Honestly Wasn’t Thinking About Being Here” – Ravichandran Ashwin On His Selection In Squad For ICC World Cup 2023