'I Don't See A Place for Him': Gambhir Questions Ashwin's Necessity in Winning Combination
Ravichandran Ashwin has been on the bench since the tournament opener
Former Indian opener, Gautam Gambhir has voiced his opinion against spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's inclusion in India’s playing XI for the ICC World Cup 2023 final. The highly anticipated clash between India and Australia is set to unfold at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, November 19.
Gambhir rules out Ashwin for IND vs AUS World Cup 2023 final
Gambhir, in a conversation with Sportskeeda, expressed his belief that the Indian team should stick to its winning formula, suggesting that altering the lineup might not be necessary.
“I don't think so (on Ashwin playing the final). I don't see a place for him and why would you even tinker with what is working for you. What better performance can you expect from your five bowlers,” said Gambhir.
The southpaw further highlighted that the current composition of the team, especially the bowlers, has been performing exceptionally under pressure, hinting that Ashwin's role might not be crucial in the final matchup.
“After Hardik's injury, we have spoken that with just five specialist bowlers, teams will look to target one or two of them. However, that hasn't happened because of the quality of the five bowlers. We have spoken a lot about batters and I feel it is time to praise the bowlers for delivering under pressure,” added the Indian veteran.
Gambhir’s remarks come as India, led by Rohit Sharma, has showcased a formidable performance in the league stages, winning all nine matches and securing the top spot on the points table. The journey to the final wasn't just a showcase of batting brilliance but also the bowlers’ excellent form.
Australia's path to the final was marked by an impressive comeback. After initial setbacks against India and South Africa, they embarked on a seven-match winning spree, claiming the third spot in the group stage.
They then continued their momentum, defeating South Africa in the second semi-final at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The stage is now set for an exciting final, with both teams bringing their A-game to one of cricket's most prestigious events.
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