Ravichandran Ashwin Won't Be A Part Of India's World Cup Squad, Feels Former Australia Captain

Ravichandran Ashwin has shown great form after returning to the Indian squad in the ODIs. He took four wickets in two matches against the Australian side and is looking great with the white ball. In the second ODI, he took the scalps of Marnus Labuschagne, David Warner, and Josh Inglis. Ravichandran Ashwin replaced Axar Patel in the squad as the latter picked up an injury during the Asia Cup.

Axar Patel’s injury gave Ashwin his chance to prove himself worthy for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Ravichandran Ashwin was a part of India’s World Cup-winning campaign in 2011 and was also a member of India’s World Cup squad in 2015. So this can be Ashwin’s third World Cup campaign if he is picked up in the squad.

Former Australian Cricketer Aaron Finch, who also led the Australian side in the 2019 World Cup feels that Ravichandran Ashwin might struggle to make it to the squad for the World Cup. He is one of the most experienced spinners in India but looking at how he was ignored initially when the World Cup squad was announced, it is possible that he might not be considered for the squad even after performing well in the ongoing ODI Series against Australia.

Ravichandran Ashwin Might Be There As A Mentor, Says Finch

“I think he (Ashwin) might struggle to make it to the final 15, but as somebody who has played so much cricket, I think the rest of the group that is with the Indian team for this current series against Australia, they could learn so much about big gameplay because Ashwin is somebody that stands up in big games, whether it’s a Test match or a T20 game, he has done it throughout his career. So I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s there at the moment as a mentor around the group, but I don’t see him making that last 15, unfortunately,” said Finch.

Currently, Axar Patel is injured and he has to prove his fitness before the World Cup begins or else the team management will have to look for his replacement in the World Cup. Ravichandran Ashwin is India’s best bet as a replacement for Axar Patel given that the team doesn’t have any off-spinner and Ashwin will add the variety to the mix.