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'I Still Fancy Ravichandran Ashwin...,' 2019 World Cup Chief Selector Wants Ashwin In World Cup 2023

image-llfaen6kRavichandran Ashwin last played an ODI in 2022 (Twitter)

With the Asia Cup 2023 and the subsequent World Cup 2023 rapidly approaching, the cricketing community is abuzz with conjectures about India's team composition for the vital ODI tournaments.

MSK Prasad has advocated Ashwin's inclusion in India's ODI set up

Adding his two cents to the widespread discussion, former India selector MSK Prasad has thrown his weight behind seasoned off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, batting for his inclusion into the team’s ODI set-up. According to him, the off-spinner could be India's secret weapon, especially in the spin-friendly territories of India and Sri Lanka.

While speaking to Star Sports, Prasad stated that he continues to hold a strong admiration for Ashwin. According to him, the veteran spinner’s skills could prove highly beneficial in the context of matches played in Asian conditions, particularly due to the prevalence of left-handed batsmen in opposing teams.

"I still fancy Ravichandran Ashwin. You are playing in Asian conditions, and I think he is one guy who might be very handy with so many left-handers in the oppositions right now."



The former wicketkeeper-batter highlighted the abundance of left-handers in Australia as a prime example. He also noted Ashwin's favourable mental state and asserted that his contributions would be valuable.

“Australia are filled with left-handers, we have seen that. Ashwin will definitely be useful because he is also in the best state of mind also. He can be handy, especially when you are playing in Sri Lanka and India."

It's worth noting that while Ashwin has been a mainstay in India's Test team, his journey in the shorter formats has witnessed some pauses. He last featured for India in white-ball cricket during the T20 World Cup in 2021 held in UAE. Furthermore, he was last seen in action in an ODI in January 2021 against South Africa.

Whether Ashwin dons the blue jersey again and produces magic with the ball remains to be seen. But endorsement from a former India selector surely make the prospect an exciting one.