IND vs AUS: Ravichandran Ashwin To Be Part Of India's World Cup Squad? Rohit Sharma Hints At Late Inclusions

India National Cricket Team captain Rohit Sharma has dropped a major hint on the late inclusions in the 15-man World Cup squad following the Asia Cup 2023 triumph.

India crushed Sri Lanka by 10 wickets to clinch the Asia Cup title. It was pure dominance from India in the match as they bundled out the Lankan Lions for 50, thanks to Mohammed Siraj’s breathtaking spell. Chasing the target, Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan opened for India and completed the run-chase in 6.1 overs.

Ahead of the final, Axar Patel, who is one of the three spinners in India’s provisional World Cup squad, was ruled out and Washington Sundar was included in the team. Axar is likely to miss the first two of the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia and India will have to take a call on the spin-bowling all-rounder spot.

The top two contenders for the role are Washington Sundar and veteran Ravichandran Ashwin. Speaking to reporters after the match, Rohit Sharma said that he is in touch with Ravichandran Ashwin and Washington Sundar, the two players who are capable of fulfilling the spin-bowling all-rounder role in the Cricket World Cup 2023 squad.

“With the spin-bowling all-rounders, I think everyone is in the line. Honestly, (I am) speaking to Ashwin as well, I have been talking to him on the phone. So he is very much in the line. So is Washi. We want those guys who can do the job with the ball and the bat as well,” Rohit said while speaking to the press in Colombo.

Why Washington Sundar Was Picked As Axar Patel’s Replacement Over Ravichandran Ashwin, Reveals Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma further revealed why Washington Sundar was preferred over Ravichandran Ashwin as Axar Patel’s replacement in the Asia Cup squad. He said that they picked Sundar because he was match-fit and was training with India’s Asian Games squad.

“Washi was honestly, that Injury happened to Axar late in the night. We had to call a few guys to see where they are at. Washi was available and we had to get him to come and play the role. Luckily, he was with the squad in the Asian Games squad in Bangalore, he was bowling, he was training and he was cricket fit. So he was spending a lot of time on the field. We had to get him,” Rohit added.

Rohit Sharma also revealed that he is in constant touch with a few players who are not part of India’s provisional 15-man World Cup squad and they are being kept in the loop about the direction that they are taking heading into the World Cup.

“I have been very clear with certain guys who can come up and play certain roles. I have been talking to everyone, I don’t want to take names. Everyone is aware of what’s happening. Nobody is kept in the dark about what we are doing, everyone is kept in the loop,” he added.

India’s next assignment is a three-match ODI series against Australia, which will be played on September 22, 24 and 27. After the series, India will participate in the marquee ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 at home.