• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Sundar Ashwin Are In Line Rohit Sharma Hints At Late Additions To Wc Squad

'Sundar, Ashwin Are In Line': Rohit Sharma Hints At Late Additions To WC Squad

Vaibhav Tripathi

image-lmogrryiRavichandran Ashwin (L) and Rohit Sharma (R). (X.com)

Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, revealed that he has been in communication with several players about the spin-bowling all-rounder role in India's squad for the 2023 Cricket World Cup. 

Rohit's remarks came after India secured the Asia Cup trophy, defeating Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in a one-sided final in Colombo on Sunday, September 17.

Following the group stage of the Asia Cup 2023, India announced their provisional ODI World Cup 2023 squad. The squad included three spinners: Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel. This selection sparked debates and discussions among fans and experts, primarily because it lacked a right-arm spinner.

For the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023 final, Sundar was called in as a replacement for Axar Patel and was immediately included in the playing XI against Sri Lanka. However, Sundar didn't get a chance to bowl or bat as India bowled out Sri Lanka for just 50 runs, marking the lowest total in the final of a major ODI cricket tournament.

"With the spin-bowling all-rounders, I think everyone is in the line. Honestly, (I am) speaking to Ashwin as well, I have been talking to him on the phone. So he is very much in the line. So is Washi. We want those guys who can do the job with the ball and the bat as well,"  Rohit Sharma said while speaking to the reporters in Colombo.

Rohit also mentioned that the team management has kept everyone, including players outside the World Cup squad, informed about the direction they are taking in preparation for the World Cup.

"I have been very clear with certain guys who can come up and play certain roles. I have been talking to everyone, I don’t want to take names. Everyone is aware of what’s happening. Nobody is kept in the dark about what we are doing, everyone is kept in the loop,"  he added.

Sundar has featured in 16 ODIs, taking 16 wickets with an economy rate of 5.06. He is capable of bowling in the power-play, offering another option for the Indian captain. On the other hand, Ashwin, with 151 wickets in 113 ODIs at an economy rate of 4.94, is known for his all-round abilities. 

While Ashwin last played an ODI in January 2022 against South Africa, he has continued to improve his batting skills. The inclusion of either of these players would add variety to India's spin department, which currently consists of only left-arm options.