IND Vs BAN: Sunil Gavaskar Drops Bombshell On Ravichandran Ashwin's State Of Mind With Team India

Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his belief that Ravichandran Ashwin is eager to seize an opportunity in the upcoming match against Bangladesh in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The Indian Team is scheduled to face Bangladesh in their fourth World Cup encounter on Thursday, October 19, at the MCA Stadium in Pune.

In an exclusive conversation with India Today, Sunil Gavaskar hinted at the possibility of Ashwin replacing Shardul Thakur for the match against Bangladesh. Ashwin has appeared in only one game during the 2023 World Cup, during which he played a pivotal role in India’s six-wicket victory against Australia in Chennai by dismissing Cameron Green.

Sunil Gavaskar stated, “There could be a possibility of that happening (Ashwin playing against Bangladesh). If Shardul Thakur gets a breather, Ashwin could come in, keeping in mind the left-handers in the Bangladesh team.”

Sunil Gavaskar went on to emphasize Ashwin’s proficiency as a bowler and highlighted his eagerness to contribute to the team’s success. Ashwin has an impressive track record in ODIs, with 156 wickets in 116 matches. He earned his place in the 15-member World Cup squad following an injury to spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel during the Asia Cup 2023.

“With Ashwin, it’s not just that he bowls only to left-handers, he is a top bowler, and he bowls well to right-handers as well. He is a great bowler. He can operate on pitches that don’t generally assist the spinners. I think he is raring to be given an opportunity,” Gavaskar added.

Sunil Gavaskar Commended India’s Fearless Approach

Sunil Gavaskar, who was part of the Indian squad that won the 1983 World Cup, commended the Indian team’s fearless approach in the ongoing World Cup. He noted that Bangladesh would need to counter India’s initiative and fearlessness to secure a victory in Pune. India enters the match against Bangladesh on the back of three consecutive wins in the 2023 World Cup.

“The way the Indian team has been playing, the way the Indian team has been showing resilience. More than anything else, I think the initiative and the fearlessness that the Indian team has been showing. That’s been so good to see. That is something that Bangladesh will have to counter,” Sunil Gavaskar remarked.

As the World Cup progresses, India aims to maintain its winning streak, while Bangladesh seeks to recover from recent defeats against England and New Zealand. Currently, India is in the second position just behind New Zealand in the World Cup Points Table while Bangladesh is in sixth position.