With India’s preparation for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in full swing, the spotlight is on the players who were initially left out of the 15-man squad.
Ravichandran Ashwin, a legendary Test match-winner, had advocated for young talent like Tilak Varma to be considered for the ODI World Cup just a month and a half ago. However, in a twist of fate, Ashwin himself has been summoned for a two-match trial against Washington Sundar, who is nearly fifteen years his junior.
Such close selection calls are common in the lead-up to World Cup squads, but with only two weeks left before the mega event, the Indian team management has brought both off-spinners into the fold as potential replacements in case Axar Patel’s quadriceps injury doesn’t heal in time.
This scenario has sparked an intriguing debate. Former chairman of selectors MSK Prasad believes that Ashwin, given his stature, now holds an advantage. He had always believed that Ashwin should have been part of the ODI World Cup discussion from the beginning.
However, the choice between Ashwin and Washington becomes interesting. If the team is looking for a 50-50 batting-bowling option, then Washington Sundar might be the preference due to his all-round skills. But if they are seeking a pure spin-bowling option, Ashwin has the edge.
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Former spinner Harbhajan Singh has a different viewpoint, emphasizing Washington’s ability to perform well in Powerplays, his brilliant fielding, and being a left-hander in the lower middle order, making him a valuable package.
Another selector, speaking anonymously, sees Axar’s injury as a potential blessing in disguise. They believe that the decision to include a right-arm finger spinner should have been made earlier, and now, at the last minute, they have the opportunity to address it.
This selector also points out that Axar’s performance on turning tracks has been a concern, especially when compared to other spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and Ashwin. The debate between a bits-and-pieces cricketer like Washington and a game-changing spinner like Ashwin is a dilemma for the team management.
Ultimately, the choice between Ashwin and Washington will depend on the team’s strategy and the pitch conditions they expect during the World Cup. Both players bring unique strengths to the table, and the decision won’t be easy for Rohit Sharma, Rahul Dravid, and Ajit Agarkar. That’s why both off-spinners have been called up for a decisive trial.