'World Class Bowler' - Ashwin Gets Green Light From Sunil Gavaskar Ahead Of World Cup 2023
India off-spinner R Ashwin | Source: X.com
In a recent announcement on September 28, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was included in India's World Cup squad, replacing the all-rounder Axar Patel who ruled out of the prestigious event due to his unhealed quadriceps tear injury.
Ashwin also received a call-up to the Indian squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia, which ended with India winning 2-1. His standout performance came in the second ODI, where he single-handedly dismantled Australia's batting lineup, emerging as the hero for Men in Blue.
When Ashwin received the call-up for the Australian series, it became evident that Axar Patel's injury was serious. Both Ashwin and Washington Sundar were in the running to replace him in the World Cup squad, and that's precisely what transpired.
Although fans had reservations about Ashwin replacing Axar Patel in the World Cup squad, former Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has voiced his support, citing Ashwin's valuable experience in the middle overs as a key asset for Team India.
Bumrah took hammering from Aussies: Sunil Gavaskar
“To start with the new ball there is Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami...I don't know if all three of them will play in the World Cup, but these three are world-class bowlers. We saw Bumrah took a little bit of a hammering in Rajkot against Australia. He is too experienced a bowler to repeat those mistakes," Gavaskar told Star Sports.
The former India captain further stated that R Ashwin's experience will prove invaluable for India during the middle overs, particularly when big partnerships are being forged and the pitch favours batting. In such situations, Ashwin's ‘canniness’ can be a game-changer for India.
Gavaskar justifies Ashwin's selection
"But that is not to worry. It is the middle overs which is...we saw what good pitch this was so players can play through the line when the ball is not deviating or turn or bounce. And 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 actually get you wickets in the middle overs, and that doesn't allow partnerships to build and subsequently, a team can be restricted to a low total."
With 115 ODIs in his career, Ravichandran Ashwin has taken 155 wickets at an economy rate of 4.95. The excitement now centres around his inclusion in India's starting eleven for the upcoming World Cup 2023. The Rohit Sharma-led side will kick off their World Cup campaign against Australia in Chennai on October 8.
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