R Ashwin Calls for Unity Among Fans, Pledges Support for Team India in World Cup
India off-spinner R Ashwin | Source: Tw
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently unveiled their 15-member squad for the ICC World Cup 2023, slated to be played in India starting in October.
While there were no significant surprises, one of the talking points from the squad was the addition of three left-arm spinners and the absence of an off-spinner.
Ravindra Jadeja's inclusion in the squad is a given, and Axar Patel, a left-arm orthodox finger spinner with batting skills akin to Jadeja, edged out specialist off-spinner R Ashwin and another off-spinning all-rounder, Washington Sundar.
Adding a third spinner to the mix, the selectors have gone with the left-arm unorthodox Kuldeep Yadav, leaving out wrist spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. Notably, Kuldeep Yadav has been in brilliant form lately, making him a clear choice for the squad.
Although fans and many cricket experts advocated for the inclusion of an offspinner like R Ashwin in the squad, it seems the Tamil Nadu cricketer has shown no signs of disappointment at being left out of the World Cup squad.
As we approach the World Cup 2023, R. Ashwin is calling upon Indian fans to set aside their disputes over their favourite players and cricketers and unite in support of Team India at this prestigious event.
Here’s what R Ashwin said on his YouTube channel:
“Please click the pause button for the next 2 months for engaging in fan fights for players - and support the Indian team during the World Cup as a team.”
Team India will kick off its World Cup campaign against Australia on October 8, while their blockbuster clash against the arch-rivals Pakistan is set to take place at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium on October 14.
Rohit Sharma & Co. will be eager to break a decade-long dry spell in ICC tournaments, with their last triumph dating back to the 2013 Champions Trophy under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
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