With the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 around the corner, former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has stirred the debate over whether India should include veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the playing XI. India is set to begin its World Cup campaign on October 8th against Australia in Chennai.
Ravichandran Ashwin recently made a strong comeback to the ODI team during the IND vs AUS ODI series. His performance, which included taking four wickets in two ODIs, earned him a spot in India’s World Cup squad as a replacement for the injured Axar Patel. This marks Ashwin’s third World Cup appearance; he was part of the 2011 World Cup-winning team.
While Ashwin’s selection in the squad is significant, there remains uncertainty about whether he will secure a spot in the playing XI. It is likely that India will opt for the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, supported by three fast bowlers, in the starting lineup. However, Sunil Gavaskar believes Ashwin’s experience and expertise make a strong case for his inclusion.
Gavaskar emphasized the importance of the middle overs, highlighting that Ashwin’s presence could be crucial during this phase of the game. He mentioned that Ashwin’s ability to break partnerships in the middle overs can restrict opposition teams from posting big totals.
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“It is the middle overs which are the worry,” Gavaskar stated. “This is where Ashwin with his experience and his canniness will play as a key factor. I’m not sure if they will play him in the XI for the big matches, but he is the kind of bowler who can get you wickets in the middle overs, and that doesn’t allow partnerships to build, subsequently restricting the opposition to a low total.”
Ravichandran Ashwin has a track record of troubling top-order batsmen in the middle overs. His ability to control the game and pick up crucial wickets could be an asset for India, especially against formidable opponents in the World Cup.
India’s upcoming warm-up matches against England and the Netherlands provide an ideal opportunity to assess Ashwin’s form and effectiveness. The team management will likely consider these matches in their decision-making process regarding Ashwin’s inclusion in the playing XI.
Ravichandran Ashwin has consistently delivered when called upon by the Indian team, not only with the ball but also with his batting skills. Whether he secures a spot in the playing XI for the World Cup remains uncertain, but his experience and all-round abilities make him a valuable asset for India as they aim to clinch the coveted title.