Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed his belief that the India vs. Pakistan clash in the ICC World Cup 2023 will be a blockbuster game. Ashwin emphasized that the match is expected to be evenly balanced.
Having not played ODI cricket since the series against South Africa in 2022, it seems unlikely that Ravichandran Ashwin will get an opportunity in the format, considering the presence of Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Yuzvendra Chahal in the squad.
Ashwin was not given a chance in the WTC 2021-23 final against Australia, but he will now be aiming to secure a place in the Indian playing XI for the upcoming Test match against West Indies starting on July 12, 2023.
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During a discussion on his YouTube channel, Ashwin mentioned that Pakistan also possesses a quality seam attack, which adds to the anticipation of the India-Pakistan encounter.
Ashwin also expressed optimism about Afghanistan’s potential to create upsets in the tournament. He recalled the 2011 World Cup when India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan reached the semi-finals, but he believes Afghanistan is a team to watch out for this year.
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“The last few games between India and Pakistan have been extraordinary. I think we can expect another blockbuster India-Pakistan game. It is going to be an equally balanced game because Pakistan also has a quality seam attack,” stated Ravichandran Ashwin.
“I feel Afghanistan might challenge a few teams this year. Last time, during the 2011 World Cup, India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan qualified for the semi-finals. Of course, Bangladesh is a very good side,” he added.
“But I feel Afghanistan will create a few upsets this year. They played really well during the last World Cup too. But in these conditions, you cannot really run through their side with fast bowling. We all know their spin strength with Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, and Zakir Khan,” Ashwin concluded.